Hot Tea or Cold Tea: What Effects and Properties Do They Share?

Hot Tea or Cold Tea: What Effects and Properties Do They Share?

As summer approaches, the temptation to abandon a steaming cup of hot tea grows, leading us toward the refreshing allure of cold tea. However, beyond our personal preferences, a common question arises: "Does cold tea share the same properties and benefits as hot tea?" Here's what to discover.

Cold Tea vs. Hot Tea: Taste and Aroma

The differences in taste and aroma between hot and cold tea primarily depend on the type of tea being considered. Each tea leaf holds a unique aroma, the appreciation of which can vary significantly based on the drinking temperature. Nevertheless, it's important to note that the same tea can offer different sensory experiences when consumed in these two variations.

For example, cold tea prepared with hot water can present a bolder flavor and, in some cases, be less sweet compared to its hot counterpart. Conversely, cold brewing, utilizing room temperature or cold water with an extended steeping period, can result in a tea with a milder and rounder flavor.

Cold Tea: Infusion Method and Aromatic Implications

The aroma of cold tea is also influenced by the infusion method used. Two predominant approaches are hot infusion followed by cooling, similar to the traditional preparation of hot tea, and cold brewing, which employs non-heated water. These methods can bring significant differences in the appearance and final aroma of the tea.

Hot infusion typically yields a bolder infusion and, in some circumstances, a less sweet flavor compared to cold brewing. On the other hand, cold brewing, utilizing non-heated water, offers a more delicate and sweeter final aroma. This approach is particularly recommended to avoid potential bitter notes in black and green teas. Learn more.

Cold Tea vs. Hot Tea: Health Properties and Benefits

Regarding the health properties and benefits of tea, it's essential to specify that we are exclusively referring to high-quality loose-leaf tea cultivated using natural methods, excluding processed or tea bag varieties.

In summary, when tea leaves are infused with hot water, whether the tea is consumed hot or cold, the properties remain unchanged. The water temperature does not alter these characteristics.

A study conducted by the University of Fribourg has shown that cold tea can accelerate metabolism, helping to burn more calories than hot tea. However, these findings contradict some traditional beliefs, such as those in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, which emphasize the benefits of consuming warm beverages to aid nutrient assimilation and prevent water retention.

Cold Brewing: Prolonged Extraction and Antioxidant Benefits

Cold brewing requires a longer extraction period compared to hot infusion. The intrinsic properties of Camellia Sinensis leaves (the tea plant) extract rapidly due to high water temperatures. With cold brewing, the process takes significantly more time.

An interesting study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology demonstrated that cold brewing enhances the antioxidant capacity of tea and the levels of catechins, particularly in green, black, and oolong teas. This effect occurs at temperatures below 90°C.

In summary, cold brewing can preserve and even increase antioxidant levels in teas but may reduce gallic acids and caffeine.

Cold Tea vs. Hot Tea: Caffeine Content

The caffeine content in cold tea depends on the preparation method, namely whether the tea leaves are steeped in hot or cold water.

In more detail:

If prepared using the hot infusion method (similar to regular tea and then cooled), the answer is YES: cold tea will have a similar caffeine effect as hot tea.

However, if the tea is prepared using the cold brewing method (by adding room temperature or cold water and allowing it to steep for several hours in the refrigerator), the answer is NO. In this case, the amount of caffeine extracted and released in cold tea will be lower than in hot tea, as higher water temperatures are required to extract as much caffeine as possible. Learn more on Bell Italia.