Living Maxwell

Better Choices

What is Cold-Brew Coffee and Why You Should Know About it

Despite the fact that it has become a burgeoning trend in the beverage world, cold-brew coffee is still a relatively unknown quantity to the average person on the street.

In a very unscientific poll that I conducted, the majority of people that I talked to had heard of cold-brew coffee but couldn’t give me a good answer as to what it is and why people should be drinking it. And to be perfectly honest, I was pretty in the dark about cold-brew as well.

While I know that choosing organic coffee is a must, because coffee is one of the most chemically-treated crops in the world, I, too, had many questions about this increasingly popular drink.

So, in honor of National Cold-Brew Coffee Day, which happens to be today, I reached out to Chris Campbell, co-founder of Chameleon Cold-Brew to help clear up any confusion and here is what he had to say.

What is cold-brew coffee and how is it prepared differently than regular coffee?

Cold-brew coffee is coffee that has been steeped in water temperatures below 85 degrees for anywhere from 12 to 24 hours. We steep ours for approximately 16 hours in order to maximize flavor while minimizing bitterness and bite.

Temperature and time will vary based on water chemistry, coffee composition and roast profile.

What are the benefits of drinking cold-brew coffee?

With fewer tannins, cold-brew is typically less bitter than hot-brewed coffee. This lack of bitterness and bite translates into less need for creamers and sweeteners, thus creating the potential for a healthier beverage.

Properly made cold-brew has almost three times as much caffeine as hot-brew and it also contains a lot less acidity, which makes it better for many people who may have acid-related gastrointestinal issues.

Many people I know don’t drink coffee because it stains their teeth. Does cold-brew have the same impact on teeth?

Cold-brew coffee will typically have less of an impact on tooth staining due to having fewer tannins. According to Dr. Scott Frey DDS, a coarsely ground cold-brew is among the least staining methods for coffee preparation.

Can you drink cold-brew coffee “hot”?

Of course! I take a fresh pull out of our tap at the office or a handy bottle of Chameleon Cold-Brew most mornings, mix it with a bit of water, and then heat it up for my morning shot of cold-brewed goodness.

What should consumers look for when they are buying cold-brew coffee?

Ultimately, it’s about personal preference but here are a few tips that can be indicators of quality:
· Organic coffee
· Glass packaging
· Deep, dark coffee color
· Great aroma
· The fresher, the better