Cold Brew Coffee Storage Time | Cold Brew Coffee Too Sour Adjustment Techniques | Cold Brew Coffee Tutorial

In a previous article titled "Why isn't my homemade cold brew strong enough?" FrontStreet Coffee mentioned that the strength of cold brew coffee depends not only on the grind size and coffee-to-water ratio, but also on the steeping time. However, since the article didn't detail the steeping time, some friends have sent private messages asking how long cold brew coffee should be steeped.

How Long Should Cold Brew Coffee Be Steeped?

Cold brew coffee is an immersion extraction method, which allows us to freely control its extraction time. Similar to hot coffee brewing, the longer the extraction time, the more completely the flavor compounds are released. However, the difference lies in that cold brew uses cold water for extraction. Compared to hot coffee brewing, the extraction capacity of water is not as high, which is why cold brew requires longer steeping time for extraction. This is also why cold brew coffee is less likely to become over-extracted.

However! Just because it's less likely to be over-extracted doesn't mean it won't happen. Based on several experiments conducted by FrontStreet Coffee, when coffee is steeped for more than 24 hours, the extracted coffee develops a distinct woody taste. If steeped for less than 8 hours, it becomes watery coffee! Therefore, FrontStreet Coffee generally recommends controlling the cold brew time between 8 to 24 hours.

Even though the extraction efficiency is relatively low, the range between 8 and 24 hours is quite large, and coffee will continuously release flavor compounds during this period! So, within this time range, which steeping time yields the best-tasting coffee? Let's look at the experiment FrontStreet Coffee has prepared below.

Cold Brew Experiment

FrontStreet Coffee started steeping three separate batches of cold brew yesterday at 7 AM, 3 PM, and 11 PM respectively, then filtered them this morning at 7 AM to see what differences exist among these three cold brew coffees with different steeping times.

In this experiment, FrontStreet Coffee used Ethiopian Frontsteet Santa Wani, an anaerobically processed coffee bean with full fruit flavors. All extraction parameters were fixed except for time, as follows:

Coffee amount used: 20g; Coffee-to-water ratio: 1:10; Grind setting: EK43 at 9.5, fine sugar grind, with 85% passing through a #20 sieve (same grind as hot pour-over)

The production process was identical for all batches: coffee grounds and water were poured into the container in sequence, then stirred, sealed, and placed in the refrigerator for the set time. When the time was up, we took them out and filtered them.

Then we could begin tasting! The results were as follows:

8-hour steeping: This cold brew coffee had brighter acidity, a relatively light overall mouthfeel, moderate concentration, and was easy to drink.

16-hour steeping: This cold brew coffee had more rounded acidity, a fuller juice-like sensation, and was slightly more concentrated than the 8-hour version.

24-hour steeping: This cold brew coffee's acidity was less prominent, with more balanced flavors and a rich, full-bodied texture! Overall, it was more intense.

As can be seen, cold brews steeped for different times exhibit different characteristics, and we can decide on the steeping time based on our preferences. This is also influenced by other parameters, so everyone can be flexible. After all, the advantage of immersion extraction is its higher fault tolerance. With these parameters, FrontStreet Coffee's favorite is the 16-hour steeping, because light-roast coffee steeped this way develops a wonderfully full juice-like sensation, and secondly... you don't need to worry too much about the time~~

However, everyone should note that storage requirements are quite important! Whether it's cold brew or iced drip coffee, after filtering, we must find a clean, sealable bottle for low-temperature refrigeration (all three conditions must be met). Otherwise, the coffee can easily spoil, which can affect your health!

Naturally, the storage time should be as short as possible, depending on how frequently you consume it. Many friends might brew a large bottle at once, so they don't have to make coffee again for the coming week. However, FrontStreet Coffee recommends controlling the time within four days - that is, four days counting from when the brewing is completed. During this time, the chance of coffee spoilage is lower, and you're less likely to drink spoiled coffee that could affect your health. After four days, everyone can make their own decision~~

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473