Coffee is the gasoline that many people need to get going, but even if it is a classic, more and more ways of preparing it are emerging that make its flavor or intensity different, as is the case with Dalgona coffee or the so fashionable cold brew coffee. The latter has gone viral especially for its main characteristic, which is that it is made with cold water, a good option to enjoy this drink in summer and cool off with it.
Cold brew coffee is increasingly present on the menus of coffee shops, especially in the United States, England and Australia. Although the appearance is the same as that of a conventional coffee, those who have tried it say that it is smoother and has up to 60% less bitterness, which makes it ideal for even the most delicate palates.
It is believed that its origin, far from being current, could go back to the 17th century in Japan. However, as cold brew coffee is known today, it could be said that it began to become popular about 15 years ago on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, in the United States, to later reach Europe and Australia.
Benefits of cold brew coffee
The preparation of this cold coffee differs quite a bit from the traditional one, both in the temperature of the water and in the rest time, which can last up to a whole day. Normally, coffee is made with hot water so that it extracts all its flavor in the shortest possible time, but infusion with cold water can also achieve this, although you will have to have a little more patience.
Cold brewed coffee has fewer antioxidants than hot coffee, but it also contains powerful antioxidants like caffeoylquinic acid
The main advantage of this type of coffee is that, being cold, it can be more refreshing than hot. On the other hand, it can also provide all the benefits of caffeine, such as increasing attention, concentration or energy. In addition, drinking this cold coffee can also prevent acid reflux that its hot version generates in some people.
Coffee contains powerful antioxidants such as polyphenols, hydroxycinnamates, and chlorogenic acid. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports revealed that hot coffee contains more total antioxidants than cold coffee varieties, although the latter has some very powerful antioxidants, such as caffeoylquinic acid, which is often used to treat diseases such as cancer, HIV infection and herpes.
Another point in favor of cold brew coffee is that by using cold water, the ground coffee bean does not suffer the effects of extreme heat, resulting in a smoother, naturally sweet drink – which helps to dispense with sugar or sweeteners. , and with different aromas.
Caffeine levels of cold brew coffee
Does cold brew coffee have the same amounts of caffeine as regular coffee? To answer this question, a group of researchers from Thomas Jefferson University (USA) carried out a specific study in which they analyzed the effects of time, temperature and grind size on caffeine concentrations in brewed coffees cold or cold brew coffee.
The work highlighted that a coffee made with cold water usually has around 200 mg of caffeine for every 473 ml of the drink, although this is not an exact science, as it will vary depending on the type of coffee used. They found that hot water extracts more caffeine from the coffee beans, however, the time it is submerged in water also causes the beans to release more caffeine.
A cold brew coffee typically has about 100 mg of caffeine per cup, while a conventional hot water-infused coffee has 95 mg
Based on all this, it could be said that cold brew coffee has slightly more caffeine than conventional coffee. An average cup of hot brewed coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, while one of cold brewed coffee would have about 100 mg, a very small difference.
If you have convinced yourself and want to try this type of coffee, I am going to give you another reason to give it a try, and that is that you should know that, although it has different touches, its preparation is still simple and you can make it at home; there goes the homemade recipe for cold brew coffee.
cold brew coffee
Preparing a cold brew coffee at home is very simple and you don’t need many ingredients or large devices. In addition to the base of the coffee, which is coarsely ground coffee –better if it is of high quality– and cold water, you should also have two glass containers, one to make the mixture and the other to store the final content, and a strainer or a gauze with which you will avoid the grounds. The coffee-water proportions must be 1:4, that is, for one measure of coffee you will have to add four times as much water.
Ingredients:
- 250 g of coffee beans, naturally roasted and ground medium-coarse
- 1 liter of cold water, which can be mineral or from the tap, although it is better if it is of good quality
- Place the coffee in a glass container with a tight lid.
- Pour the cold water into the pot where the coffee is.
- Stir well, close the lid and shake so that the coffee beans mix well with the water.
- It would be ready by now; now you just have to let it rest for between 12 and 24 hours, although you can shorten it to 8 hours if you’re in a bit of a hurry. Make sure it is at room temperature, in a cool, dry place and away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
- After that time, take the second glass pot and place a filter or muslin-type gauze and strain the coffee. Once everything is ready, you just have to close and cool again before serving. You can also add ice, heat it, or add milk or cream.
Although it is prepared cold and ice can be added, it is important to differentiate it from the typical iced coffee, which consists of traditional coffee that is transferred to a glass with these cooling cubes. The cold brew is different, a light coffee, with a slightly lighter color, but with nuances that give it a very special touch. This type of coffee can be kept in the fridge for about two weeks, after which time it can begin to lose properties and flavor. Another good idea is to freeze it in ice cubes to use in other preparations.
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