Reasons NOT to cold brew herbal tea

(and what to do instead)

What is herbal tea?

Herbal tea is any infusion that isn’t real tea Real tea: Comes from the plant Camellia Sinensis.  Examples: green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong, pu-eh… Herbal tea: Any other types, like chamomile tea, rooibos, sage, hibiscus…

1

Most herbal teas can release their flavor better when steeped in hot water.

Taste

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Cold brewing is great for real tea because it avoids oversteeping. But most herbal tea can steep longer without getting bitter.

Not necessary

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Herbal tea doesn’t undergo any heat treatment (real tea does), so it may harbor pathogens that only get deactivated with hot water.

Potential risks

What to do instead of cold steeping herbal tea: 

Arrow

Steep for: -around 10 minutes -use hot water at a rolling boil

Or

Trick to prepare iced tea quickly:

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Steep in a little amount of hot water

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After steeping time is over, add cold water