Explore Cold infusion
Cold infusions are a wonderful way to make herbal tea, and they’re especially great for those who want to avoid the heat of traditional brewing methods. Here’s what you need to know:
What is cold infusion?
Cold infusion, also known as “cold brewing,” is a method of making herbal tea that involves soaking herbs in cold water for an extended period of time. This method allows the flavors and oils from the herbs to infuse into the water without the use of heat.
How does it work?
To make cold-infused herbal tea, you’ll need:
- Cold water: Use fresh, filtered water that’s at or below 40°F (4°C).
- Herbs: Choose your favorite herbs, including dried or fresh options.
- Time and patience: Soak the herbs in cold water for several hours or overnight.
Benefits of cold infusion:
- No heat damage: Cold infusion preserves the delicate flavors and oils of the herbs, making it a great method for those who want to avoid heat damage.
- Less caffeine: Since no hot water is used, there’s less chance of extracting high levels of caffeine from the herbs.
- Easier on the stomach: Cold-infused herbal tea can be gentler on the stomach than traditional brewed teas.
Tips for cold infusion:
- Use the right amount of herbs: Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs per cup of water.
- Adjust the time: Experiment with different steeping times to find your perfect balance.
- Chill before serving: Store the infused tea in the refrigerator and chill it before serving.
Common issues with cold infusion:
- Herb loss: If you’re using dried herbs, they might lose some of their potency during the cold infusion process.
- Lack of flavor: Some people find that cold-infused herbal tea can lack a bit of depth in terms of flavor.
Variations on cold infusion:
- Cold-brewed iced tea: Steep herbs in cold water and then chill the mixture before serving it over ice.
- Infused water: Soak herbs in cold water to create flavored water that’s perfect for hot summer days.
- Herbal cold brew coffee: Use cold infusion to make a cold-brewed herbal coffee substitute.
Herbs that work well with cold infusion:
- Mint: Peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint all infuse beautifully in cold water.
- Lemon balm: This herb’s citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the coolness of cold-infused tea.
- Chamomile: Soak chamomile flowers in cold water to create a soothing and calming herbal tea.
By trying out cold infusion, you can discover new flavors and enjoy a refreshing twist on traditional herbal teas!