Can You Cold Brew Green Tea? An Insider’s Guide

As a green tea fanatic, you’re always seeking new and innovative ways to enjoy your beloved antioxidant elixir. You’ve tried it piping hot, iced, and maybe even as a latte or matcha smoothie. But have you experimented with cold brewing your green tea yet?

This chilled preparation method has been gaining major popularity in the coffee world for good reason. But can those same principles be applied to green tea? What are the benefits of cold brewing green tea versus traditional hot steeping?

In this insider’s guide, we’ll explore the art of cold brewing green tea from every angle. We’ll look at potential health advantages, tips for perfect cold brewing, and which premium green tea varieties are best suited for icy extraction. Consider this your master blueprint for diving into this summer’s most refreshing tea trend.

The Benefits of Going Cold With Green Tea

While hot brewing green tea is certainly the most common preparation, more tea lovers are discovering the appeal of taking it cool with cold brewing. This involves steeping the green tea leaves in cool water for an extended period rather than hot water.

In terms of health advantages, cold brew green tea may offer the following benefits compared to standard hot tea:

Higher Antioxidant Potential

Studies suggest cold brewing may help extract higher levels of certain antioxidants like vitamin C, phenolic acids, and catechins from green tea leaves. This is likely due to the extended steeping time and cooler water temps.

Less Bitterness & Astringency

One of the biggest complaints about hot brewed green tea is that it can taste overly bitter or astringent, especially if over-steeped. Cold brewing results in a smoother, mellower, and less acidic flavor profile.

Increased L-Theanine Levels

Some research indicates cold brew may produce a green tea higher in the amino acid L-theanine compared to hot brewed versions. L-theanine is prized for promoting mental calmness and enhanced focus.

More Stable Nutrition

The cooler temperatures involved in cold brewing help preserve more of green tea’s delicate micronutrients like vitamin C, folate, and certain antioxidants that can degrade with heat exposure.  

Also Read: Is Green Tea an Effective Appetite Suppressant? Unveiling the Truth

Of course, to get these potential benefits, you need to make sure you’re cold brewing premium, high-quality green tea leaves. More on the best varieties for cold brew in a bit.

First, let’s look at a step-by-step guide for how to cold brew green tea to perfection.

How to Cold Brew Green Tea Like a Pro

Ready to take your green tea obsession to frosty new heights? Follow these tips for cold brewing success:

Use Quality Loose Leaf 

While you can technically cold brew with green tea bags, premium loose leaf green tea will produce superior cold brews. High-quality leaves can better release flavour and nutrients over a long steeping time.

Go Room Temperature or Cold

There are two main methods for cold brew – room temperature water or truly cold refrigerator water. Room temperature will extract faster and produce a bright green colour, while cold water takes longer but yields a mellower taste.

For room temperature, aim for a 2-4 hour brew. refrigerator method takes 6-12 hours or overnight.

Choose Your Vessel Wisely

It’s best to use a glass, food-grade plastic or nonreactive container for cold brewing green tea, as metal could affect the taste. Mason jars, pitchers, or bottles with lids all work great.  

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Light can degrade green tea’s antioxidants, so be sure to keep your cold brew container out of direct sunlight during the steeping period. Opaque mason jars are ideal.

Consider Enhancing With Fruit 

A terrific way to liven up cold brew green tea is to add fresh fruit like lemon, berries, melon balls or orange slices during the brew to impart fruity essence.  

Strain Well

When your cold brew is complete, be sure to thoroughly strain out all the soggy green tea leaves through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This prevents any grittiness in your final brew.

Ice It Down (Or Don’t!)

The choice is yours whether to enjoy your cold brew green tea straight over ice or at room temperature! It’s delicious either way.

For best taste, consume your cold brew within 24-48 hours of making it. The flavors can start degrading after that time period.

Green Tea Varieties Perfect for Cold Brewing

Now that you’re primed on the cold brewing method, your next big decision is – which green tea variety should you start with?

Here are some of the top picks for cold brewing bliss, according to the tea experts:

Sencha 

This classic steamed Japanese green tea is a fan favourite for cold brewing. Its grassy, vegetal notes shine and you avoid any bitterness from hot water.

Dragonwell (Longjing)

China’s iconic Longjing or Dragonwell green tea produces an intoxicatingly nutty, toasted cold brew with layers of smooth, mellow complexity.  

Hojicha

For a unique spin, try cold brewing roasted hojicha tea from Japan. Its roasty, caramel notes are beautifully accentuated when brewed over ice.

Moroccan Mint

A timeless flavor combo – cold brew a quality Chinese or Japanese green tea together with fresh mint leaves for an ultra-refreshing iced tea.

Matcha

Yep, you can absolutely cold brew matcha powder to create a lusciously smooth, nutrient-packed green iced matcha drink. Add just enough water to form a paste before topping with ice water or mylk.

White Tea 

For a delicately floral, lightly sweet cold brew, try white tea varietals like Silver Needle or White Peony. Their diminutive flavor nuances are beautifully showcased when cold brewed.

Teng also recommends experimenting with infusing cold brew green teas with complementary flavors like lemon, ginger, mint or tropical fruits. The possibilities are endless for crafting your own signature cold brew!

The Takeaway – Is Cold Brewed Green Tea Worth It?

While hot brewing will always be green tea’s classic prep method, cold brewing is absolutely worth exploring for its unique flavor profile and potential elevated nutrient levels.

Additionally, the subtle flavor and aroma of cold brewed green tea make it an excellent candidate for getting creative with botanical blends or turning it into cocktails, smoothies, and more.

So as those summer temperatures start climbing, keep your green tea game strong by giving cold brewing a try. It’s an easy, delicious way to chill out with green tea’s antioxidant prowess while exploring brand new taste horizons.

Just be sure to use high-quality, premium loose leaf green tea varieties for optimal cold brew flavor and benefits. With a bit of practice, you’ll be cold brew maestro in no time!

FAQs on Cold Brewing Green Tea

Can you actually cold brew green tea?

Yes, absolutely! Cold brewing green tea by steeping it in cool temperature water for an extended period of time is a popular preparation method.

What are the benefits of cold brew green tea?

Potential benefits include higher antioxidant levels, less bitterness/astringency, more L-theanine, better preservation of micronutrients, and a uniquely smooth taste.

How do you cold brew green tea?

Use about 2-3 grams of premium loose leaf green tea per 8 oz. of cold/room temp water. Let steep for 2-4 hours at room temperature or 6-12 hours refrigerated, then strain.

Does cold brew green tea have more caffeine?

No, cold brewing may actually result in slightly less caffeine compared to hot brewed green teas. But the difference is minimal.

What green tea is best for cold brewing?

Excellent choices include sencha, longjing, hojicha, mint, matcha, or white tea varieties like Silver Needle. Experiment to find your fave!