When talking about refreshing drinks, we have to mention iced tea, or as it is called iced tea. But did you know that there is also cold and hot iced tea? They may seem similar, but there is a clear difference between them. With Thana Store, the best Saudi tea and coffee store, we explore the difference between cold and hot iced tea, how to prepare them, the pros and cons of each, and other types of this type of tea that you can try.
What is hot iced tea?
Hot iced tea is a type of tea prepared using hot water and then chilled with ice. Tea leaves are steeped in hot water for a specific period of time to extract their flavors and aroma. After the tea is prepared, it is poured over a glass filled with ice cubes. This step immediately chills the beverage. The iced tea can be enjoyed as is or with the addition of sweeteners, lemon, or other toppings.
Positives
This hot preparation method has some advantages such as:
- Quick Way: If the ice is ready, your refreshing drink will be ready in less than 10 minutes!
- Tea Flavors Are Obvious: If your tea contains spices like cinnamon or ginger, the hot brewing method will better enhance the essential oils and flavor of the tea.
On the downside, for teas high in tannins, a hot brew will be slightly more astringent than a cold brew, meaning that hot iced tea may taste bitter and need more sweetening.
How to prepare hot iced tea
To prepare a refreshing cup of iced tea hot, follow these simple steps:
- Boil the water.
- Add two heaped teaspoons of tea leaves to each cup you prepare in a teapot or mug.
- Pour hot water over the tea leaves and let them steep for the recommended time (usually 3 to 5 minutes).
- While you wait, fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the boiled tea over ice cubes, to cool it instantly.
- Add sweeteners, lemon, or other flavors if desired.
- Stir well and enjoy now!
What is cold iced tea?
Cold brewed tea is a different way of preparing tea. Instead of boiling the tea with hot water, it is prepared by steeping the tea leaves in cold water for a long time. This slow steeping process allows the flavors to gradually absorb, producing a smoother, less bitter taste compared to hot iced tea. After steeping the tea, it is typically served with ice cubes or chilled in the refrigerator before serving.
Pros:
The cold preparation method also has some advantages, which are:
- Less bitter: Since there is no heat, the tea is incredibly smooth and sweet, and does not need any sweeteners, although it may need a small amount if it does.
- Fresher Flavor: Fresh flavors like citrus, fruit, and herbal notes come out more strongly with this slow, cold brew.
On the downside, it can take at least four hours to get the iced tea flavor we prefer. If you want to speed up the process, you can use slightly warm water and then cool it, which will reduce the preparation time to two hours.
How to make cold iced tea
If you have time, you can prepare iced tea the cold way to add refreshing flavors. Here's how to prepare it:
- Fill a jug with cold water.
- Add tea leaves or tea bags to cold water.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it steep for several hours or overnight.
- Once the tea reaches the desired flavor level, remove the tea leaves or tea bags.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour cold tea over ice cubes.
- Stir gently and enjoy the refreshing flavor of iced tea!
Different types of iced tea
Iced tea has become so popular that it's available in many flavors and varieties. Here are some of the most popular types of this drink:
iced black tea
Iced black tea is undoubtedly the most popular type of iced tea. Served cold, this type of tea is made from black tea leaves and is known for its strong, bold flavor. This refreshing and invigorating beverage typically requires only a few ingredients to deliver a strong, thirst-quenching flavor.
The best way to prepare it is to steep black tea leaves in hot water to extract their rich flavors and then let the tea cool before pouring it over ice cubes.
iced green tea
Iced green tea, derived from the same plant as black tea, is a refreshing and healthy beverage served cold, boasting a delicate flavor and numerous health benefits. This type of iced tea involves steeping green tea leaves in a pitcher of hot water, cooling them, and then serving them with ice cubes. Unlike black tea, green tea has a mild, sweet, herbal flavor.
Iced green tea is often enjoyed without sugar to preserve its natural flavors, but it can also be enjoyed with added flavors such as mint, honey, or citrus.
herbal iced tea
Iced herbal tea is another increasingly popular type of iced tea. In this type, herbs, flowers, spices, and other botanicals are infused instead of regular tea leaves, and are served with a wide range of flavors, from soothing chamomile and refreshing mint to tangy hibiscus and spicy ginger.
To prepare herbal iced tea, these ingredients are steeped in hot water to extract all the unique flavors and beneficial properties of the flowers, leaves, and spices. After the tea has completely cooled, it is served over ice. It is not recommended to add sugar, as most iced herbal teas are naturally sweet without any added sugar.
Read also about: 9 of the best types of tea in Saudi Arabia in terms of composition and brand.
Health benefits of iced tea
Natural iced tea, when prepared without artificial sweeteners or processed additives, can be a health-supporting beverage on more than one level. Some of its most important health benefits include:
- Rich in antioxidants: It contains a significant concentration of antioxidants, which are plant compounds that help counteract the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. This helps reduce the risk of certain age-related diseases.
- It may help prevent cancer: Preliminary studies indicate that iced tea, when drunk without artificial sweeteners, may have a potential protective benefit against some types of cancer, due to its flavonoid content.
- Regulates blood sugar levels: This tea maintains stable blood sugar levels. Drinking this beverage without added sugar may help the body avoid sharp fluctuations in blood glucose.
- Losing excess weight: When included in a balanced diet and accompanied by regular physical activity, unsweetened iced tea can contribute to weight loss. It is low in calories and promotes feelings of fullness.
After mentioning the previous benefits, you should try a cup of iced tea now, as it is delicious and beneficial, as studies have proven.
How much iced tea should you drink?
Research indicates that drinking two to three cups of tea a day can increase its health benefits, so don't hesitate to have a cup of iced tea every day. Most studies that praise the health benefits of this tea are based on the experiences of those who drink it daily.
Despite the numerous health benefits of iced tea, there are instances in which drinking it may cause harm to your health. Studies have shown that this tea can cause harm, including:
- Stomach problems: Many iced teas contain laxatives that may affect your bowel health.
- High blood sugar: Iced tea drinks often contain a high amount of sugar, so keep an eye on this to avoid overindulging in sugar.
- Increased dehydration: The caffeine in this tea can affect the body's fluid balance, as it acts as a diuretic, which can lead to fluid loss and thus increase the risk of dehydration.
- Kidney stress: Ice tea contains high levels of oxalic acid, a natural compound that can burden the kidneys if it accumulates in large quantities. This can cause more serious complications, such as kidney stones or decreased kidney function over time.
Try drinking iced tea, especially during the extremely hot days in the Kingdom, and you should also try the best Saudi tea from Thana Store. Both are experiences worth having.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make iced tea?
To prepare a cup of iced tea, boil water and steep tea bags in it for 5 to 10 minutes. Let it cool, then pour it into a pitcher with ice cubes. You can add lemon slices or mint, if desired.
Does iced tea need to be boiled?
Yes, boiling water is usually used to extract the flavor and antioxidants from the tea. After boiling and steeping, it is cooled and served iced. Cold steeping can also be used, but it is slower.