During hot weather, refreshing beverages are popular, with cold brew tea being a standout. Chef Vu Nhat Thong, founder of Eric Vu Cooking Class, explains that the cold brewing method removes bitterness, offers health benefits, and extracts natural flavors from ingredients without needing refined sugar.
Flavor extraction mechanism
Tannins cause bitterness in tea. When tea is steeped with hot water, high temperatures release these compounds.
Conversely, with cold brewing at 4 degrees C, cold water gradually extracts aromatic compounds and amino acids like L-theanine, which produce a sweet taste. This process inhibits the dissolution of tannins and caffeine, resulting in a smooth tea base with a natural aroma. L-theanine creates a sweet, rich tea.
The combination of cold tea and fruit aligns with the philosophy of yin and yang. In summer, the body can easily accumulate internal heat, causing discomfort. Tea is considered neutral, and when combined with slightly "yang" fruits such as yellow oranges or pineapples, it creates balance. This beverage helps to cool the body from within, reducing the risk of heat shock due to the weather.
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Cold brew tea steeped for 10-12 hours, combined with sweet fruits, creates an appealing summer refreshment. *AI illustration*
How to make cold brew fruit tea
To prepare a perfect batch of cold brew Oolong fruit tea, precise measurements and timing are crucial.
Ingredients:
: one 50 g packet of natural roasted Oolong tea (no added flavorings)
: 1,000 ml of purified water
: fresh fruit: yellow oranges, strawberries, or pineapple
Instructions: Place 50 g of Oolong tea into a clean glass bottle. Slowly pour 1,000 ml of purified water at room temperature. Seal the bottle tightly and store it in the refrigerator at 4 degrees C.
Allow the tea to steep for about 10 to 12 hours, letting natural osmotic pressure work. Do not open the lid or stir during this process. After adequate brewing time, strain out the tea leaves. The tea base will then have an amber color and a natural floral aroma.
To serve, pour approximately 150 ml of the cold tea base into a glass. Add a few slices of yellow orange, strawberry, or thinly sliced fresh pineapple. The natural fructose from the fresh fruit will slowly release, blending with the tea's umami sweetness to create a refreshing and appealing beverage.
This cold brew tea recipe does not use refined sugar to maintain its refreshing quality and avoid generating body heat. Therefore, the sweetness of the drink largely depends on the fructose released from the fruit. Fructose has a high sweetness level, sufficient to balance the tea's natural mild acidity, while also allowing drinkers to fully appreciate the tea's original floral notes.
Therefore, choose sweet pineapple or ripe yellow pineapple to ensure good flavor and sweetness. Yellow navel oranges are an optimal choice due to their high sweetness and low acidity. You can also add strawberries for aroma or watermelon for extra sweetness.
Bao Nhien
