Refresh your nature: how to prepare cold herbal teas, the must-try summer drinks

The world of organic herbal teas should be explored in every season and summer is the time for cold herbal teas. A cold herbal tea is a very powerful secret weapon against heat and stuffiness, especially if you suffer from low blood pressure. Whether they are draining, purifying or energizing, all cold herbal teas help maintain proper hydration and are rich in vitamins and mineral salts as well as being a smart and natural alternative to classic sugary or carbonated drinks.

Before diving into summer, we want to give you some tips on the best method to prepare cold herbal teas.

Cold herbal tea: how to choose water and how to store it

Behind a good organic herbal tea, there is always a good choice of water. We recommend natural water with a neutral pH, filtered or with a higher mineral hardness that can work as a contrast to make the herbal tea taste slightly sweeter than it naturally is. 

If you prepare your own infusion in large quantities, remember the herbal tea lasts up to 2/3 days in the fridge, especially if the infusion process has a shorter and more controlled duration.

How to make cold herbal teas with a hot infusion

It is the classic infusion between 7 and 10 minutes with 95 ° hot water. Our advice is to add 50 ml of cold water to the cup or teapot: this way you will avoid a thermal shock to the medicinal herbs and you will decrease the temperature in a more natural way.

By soaking the filter in cold water, you will give the herbs a sort of pre-hydration that will allow a sweeter infusion. This is the preferred method to release the essential oils and the aromas in the most natural way.

☞ How to prepare it

1. Bring 450ml of water to a boil
2. In the meantime, start the infusion with 50 ml of cold water in the teapot or cup
3. Pour the hot water onto the filter already hydrated with cold water
4. Wait 7/10 minutes, then remove the filter. Leave the teapot open to reach the perfect temperature for drinking or serving.

How to make cold herbal teas with a cold infusion

For this type of infusion we use cold water or water at room temperature. A tip from our observations: the extraction of flavors and essential oils is faster in water at room temperature.

In this case, leave it out for 2 or 3 hours and then put it in the fridge to slow down the extraction process. It can be stored up to 12 hours with the filter and up to 2/3 days without the filter.

☞ How to prepare it

1. Put a filter (or 2 grams of product) in water at room temperature or cold 
2. Shake for 30 seconds / 1 minute
3. Refrigerate for a minimum of 6 up to 24 hours

Cold herbal tea: our best advices

For us, making cold herbal teas means never stop exploring. After many experiments at different temperatures and with different degrees and lengths of maceration, we want to share the best tips and advice that are valid for all infusions.

• Every single Wilden.herbal pyramid filter can be used for 500 ml of water. You can easily use it for two cups.

• Cold herbal tea made with a cold extraction can be stored in the refrigerator at optimal quality for up to 2 or 3 days. The cold infusion is in fact the more delicate one and while taking more time it preserves the aromas for a longer time.

• Cold extraction is recommended for a maximum duration of about 8-10 hours. Beyond these infusion times, the extraction in water will be less balanced and at times astringent.

• A practical tip to speed up the infusion process: perform a hot extraction of at least 7 minutes with double the amount of medicinal plants. Then add an equal amount of cold water to cool and dilute the infusion.

• If you follow the last advice, here is another tip for you. Before adding more water remember to shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds / 1 minute: this simple move will replace the real “thermal stirring” of water.

Now that you know everything about cold herbal tea: which Wilden.herbal recipe are you looking forward to trying?