Cold brew coffee is popping up everywhere, from the menu of your favorite coffeehouse to the refrigerated section of your local grocery store. But what is cold brew coffee, and why are people raving about it?
“Cold brew” refers to the way the coffee is brewed, not the way it is served. Cold brew coffee is slowly steeped in cold water using coarsely ground coffee beans. Unlike traditional hot coffee that you can brew in a few minutes, cold brew takes 12 hours to achieve the signature result.
When you taste a high-quality cup of cold brew coffee, the difference is apparent. Coffee made using the cold brew method has a smoother, naturally sweeter result that tastes less acidic than traditional hot-brewed coffee. The reason is the solubility of the organic acids inherent in coffee are extracted at higher brewing temperatures. The organic acids (like citric, malic, formic, quinic and acetic) are a signature aspect of hot-brewed coffee’s flavor and aroma yet only dissolve in hot water. The cold brew method doesn’t extract the bright flavors associated with these acids but extracts the rich chocolate and caramel notes that result in the rich and smooth beverage with a difference that you can taste.
