With temperatures soaring in Saudi Arabia, reaching over 40°C in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam during the summer, cold brew coffee has become a popular choice for coffee lovers looking for a refreshing beverage to suit the hot weather. Whether you're enjoying a cold brew with a family gathering or grabbing an iced coffee on the go, cold brew coffee isn't just a delicious beverage; it may also have multiple health benefits. In this article from the Coffee Wellbeing blog, we explore the benefits of cold brew coffee for the body, focusing on its impact on overall health, fitness, and daily lifestyle.
What is cold coffee?
Cold coffee is a beverage prepared using methods such as cold brew or iced coffee. It differs from hot coffee in preparation and flavor, with cold coffee characterized by a smoother texture, less bitter flavors, and, in some cases, a higher caffeine concentration. Popular types in Saudi Arabia include:
- Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, producing a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Iced coffee: Hot coffee poured over ice, often with additions such as milk or syrup.
- Nitro Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen for a creamy texture and a distinctive froth.
Benefits of cold coffee for the body
Cold brew coffee isn't just a refreshing beverage; it also has potential health benefits that make it an ideal choice for coffee lovers in Saudi Arabia. Here are some of the most notable benefits:
1. Rich in antioxidants
- Cold brew coffee, like its hot counterpart, contains powerful antioxidants like chlorogenic acid, which helps fight free radicals in the body.
- These antioxidants support heart health and reduce inflammation, making cold brew coffee a healthy option for summer gatherings in the Kingdom.
2. Enhance focus and energy
- Cold brew coffee, especially cold brew, contains a higher concentration of caffeine than hot coffee (about 100-200 mg per 240 ml), which enhances alertness and concentration.
- Ideal for athletes or those working in dynamic environments in Riyadh or Jeddah, it provides sustained energy without the jitters.
3. Support digestive health
- Cold brew coffee is less acidic than hot brew coffee because of how it's prepared (cold brewing reduces acid release), making it gentler on the stomach.
- Suitable for people with sensitive stomach or acidity, especially when taken in the morning.
4. Moisturize the body
- In the hot climate of Saudi Arabia, cold coffee is an excellent source of hydration, especially when prepared without sugar or heavy additives.
- Adding ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 makes it a refreshing drink that helps combat dehydration in the summer.
5. Fitness Support
- The caffeine in cold brew coffee enhances athletic performance by improving endurance and increasing fat burning during exercise.
- Ideal as a pre-workout drink in gyms in Saudi Arabia, it provides quick energy without the bloating feeling.
6. Improve mood
- Caffeine stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin, which helps improve mood and reduce feelings of stress.
- It is suitable for social gatherings in Saudi councils, as it adds a refreshing touch and enhances interaction.
7. Low-calorie option (if prepared healthily)
- Cold brew coffee without additives (such as sugar or cream) contains very few calories (less than 5 calories per cup).
- Ideal for dieters, such as keto or low-calorie, especially when using unsweetened almond milk from the Coffee Wellbeing Store.
Comparison between cold and hot coffee
Cold brew coffee: A beverage prepared either by steeping coffee in cold water for a long time (cold brew) or by brewing hot coffee and then chilling it with ice (iced coffee). It has a smooth, less bitter flavor and is often served with ice or milk.
Hot coffee: A beverage prepared using hot water (90-96°C) through methods such as espresso, drip (V60), or traditional Arabic coffee. It has a strong, warming flavor that is suitable for cold climates or traditional gatherings.
Comparison between cold and hot coffee
Here's a detailed comparison between cold and hot coffee across several key aspects:
1. Preparation method
Cold coffee:
Cold Brew: Coarsely ground coffee is steeped in cold water for 12–24 hours using a Hario Cold Brew coffee maker from the Coffee Wellbeing Store. It produces a concentrated brew that can be diluted with water or ice.
Iced Coffee: Brew hot coffee using a Hario V60 or Breville machine, then pour over ice cubes from a Euroice FD-70 machine.
Grind: Coarse grind is preferred for cold brew and medium for iced coffee using a Hario hand grinder or Baratza Encore.
Time: Cold brew takes hours to prepare, while iced coffee is ready in minutes.
hot coffee:
It is prepared using hot water through methods such as espresso (Breville machine), drip (V60 Hario or Chemex), or Arabic coffee in a coffee pot.
Grind: Fine grind for espresso and medium for drip using the Baratza Encore grinder.
Time: Quick brewing (25-30 seconds for espresso, 2-4 minutes for drip).
2. Flavor and texture
Cold coffee:
Flavor: Smooth, less bitter, with fruity or sweet notes (such as raspberry or caramel) thanks to cold maceration that reduces acid release.
Texture: Creamy and intense (especially in cold brew), or light and refreshing (in iced coffee).
Hints: Beans like Ethiopia Yirgashi from Luxury Coffee Shop bring out floral and citrusy flavors.
hot coffee:
Flavor: Strong and complex, with a mild to medium bitterness depending on the degree of roast.
Body: Warm and balanced, with a crema layer in espresso or a light texture in drip coffee.
Hints: Suitable for beans like Brazilian Cerrado, which highlights chocolate and nutty flavors.
3. Caffeine content
Cold coffee:
It contains a higher concentration of caffeine (100-200 mg per 240 ml in cold brew) due to longer steeping and the use of a larger amount of coffee.
Ideal for a powerful energy boost, especially before workouts or during a long work day.
hot coffee:
It contains relatively less caffeine (70-140 mg per 240 ml) due to rapid extraction.
Suitable for moderate daily consumption, especially in morning sessions or gatherings.
4. Health benefits
Cold coffee:
Less acidic: Gentle on the stomach, making it suitable for people with sensitive stomachs or heartburn.
Hydration: Ice helps hydrate the body, especially in the hot weather in Saudi Arabia.
Antioxidants: Contains high levels of antioxidants such as chlorogenic acid, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
Low calorie: If prepared without sugar or cream, it contains less than 5 calories per cup.
hot coffee:
Antioxidants: Contains similar antioxidants, but heat may reduce some compounds compared to cold brew.
Improves digestion: Heat helps stimulate the digestive system, especially when taken after meals.
Soothing Effect: The warmth makes it a comforting choice in cold climates or traditional sessions.
Calories: May be higher if milk or sugar is added.
Cold coffee preparation methods
To reap the benefits of cold coffee, it can be easily prepared using tools from the Luxury Coffee Store. Here are two main methods:
1. Cold Brew
- Description: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours, producing a rich, concentrated flavor.
- Tools: Hario Cold Brew, Hario Hand Grinder, Ethiopia Yirgashi Beans from Luxury Coffee Shop.
- Preparation method:
- Grind 100g of Ethiopian Yirgashi beans to a coarse texture using a Hario grinder.
- Place the coffee in the Hario Cold Brew Maker and add 1 liter of cold water.
- Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours.
- Strain the coffee and add ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Served in a glass cup with an eco-friendly straw from the Luxury Coffee Shop.
- Flavors: Fruity, sweet, with a smooth texture.
2. Iced coffee
- Description: Coffee prepared hot and then poured over ice to cool it.
- Equipment: Hario V60, Breville machine, Brazil Cerrado beans.
- Preparation method:
- Grind 20g of Brazilian Cerrado beans to a medium consistency.
- Prepare coffee using the Hario V60 with hot water (90-96°C).
- Pour the coffee over ice cubes from the Euroice FD-70 machine.
- Add unsweetened almond milk (optional) from the Coffee Wellbeing Store.
- Serve in a glass with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Flavors: Chocolate, caramel, with a light texture.
Tips for getting the most out of cold coffee
- Cut back on additives: Avoid sugar and heavy cream to keep calories low.
- Choose high-quality grains.
- Caffeine Moderation: Stick to a maximum of 200-400 mg per day (1-2 cups) to avoid anxiety or insomnia.
- Use professional tools.
- Proper storage: Store cold brew coffee in the refrigerator for no more than 48 hours to preserve flavor and benefits.
- Healthy additions: Try adding chia seeds or cinnamon to boost the nutritional value.
- Balance with Diet: Incorporate cold brew coffee into a balanced diet to support your fitness goals.
Health considerations
Despite the benefits of cold coffee, there are some points to consider:
- Moderation: Excess caffeine may cause insomnia or anxiety, so stick to the daily limit (200-400 mg).
- Additions: Avoid sugars and heavy creams to maintain the health benefits.
- Allergy: People with caffeine sensitivity or heart problems should consult a doctor.
- Balance: Incorporate cold brew coffee into a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Cold brew coffee isn't just a refreshing beverage for the hot weather in Saudi Arabia; it's a healthy option that offers benefits such as boosting energy, improving mood, supporting digestion, and providing antioxidants. Whether you prefer fruity cold brew or a light, freshly brewed iced coffee, you can easily prepare it using tools like the Hario Cold Brew, the Euroice FD-70 coffee maker, and Ethiopia Yirgashi beans from the Rifah Al Qahwa store. Make cold brew a part of your summer routine, whether at family gatherings or on the go, and enjoy its health benefits and rich flavors. Order now from the Rifah Al Qahwa store and start your cold brew journey today.