Coffee is more popular than ever, and the variety of terms and brands can be intimidating and confusing. You may have heard of “hot brew” and “cold brew” coffees, but you might not have heard what the differences are, and which method is best for which kinds of coffee. If you are looking for a delicious snack that pairs well with your coffee, check it out here.
What Is Hot Brew Coffee?
Hot brew coffee is what most people think of when they think of coffee. Hot water is added to ground coffee (via pourover, French press, Keurig, etc) and dissolves part of the grind to give you an average strength coffee in a short amount of time. It’s perfect for when you’re in a rush, without any time to spare.
Brewing coffee hot gives you a lot of flavor, despite using a small amount of coffee grounds. Hot brew is a poor choice for highly acidic coffee, such as Kenyan coffee, as it tends to harm the flavor. However, it’s an excellent choice for naturally low-acid coffees, such as Brazilian or Colombian coffees.
What Is Cold Brew Coffee?
Cold brew coffee, also known as cold press, is the complete opposite. This method of brewing uses water that is room-temperature or chilled, rather than hot, and involves soaking the grounds for twenty or more hours before extraction. While it’s not going to be ready in a pinch, it can be rewarding if you plan ahead.
This slower brew pays off in the form of less acidity, thus better for coffees like Kenyan coffee. Having less acid means a more refreshing flavor, with about as much caffeine, though it uses more coffee grounds than hot brew.
Conclusion
Whether you just want a cup with no hassle, or want to reap the benefits of patience, you can do so now with the knowledge of both cold brew and hot brew, and can choose your next purchase of coffee accordingly.
