Wild Recipes

What are greens smoothies?

A greens smoothie is made with healthy fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, and lettuce. You can mix in fruits as well, and there is no right or wrong way to add in veggies. 

Some vegetables like kale have a very pronounced flavor, while others like lettuce can be milder. Based on your specific tastes, you can create combinations with almond milk to create a healthy blended drink that makes it a great meal or snack! 

Benefits of a Greens Smoothie

Green smoothies provide many benefits because of the ingredients they are made with. You can essentially get all the nutrients from a day’s worth of fruits and vegetables in one serving!

As a result, they are good for digestion, promote healthy skin and nails, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health. 

When you add in foods that are high in fiber and protein, you will also feel fuller and more satisfied throughout the day. Similarly, they include a high content of vitamins and minerals without any added sugars, so your body will thank you in the long run. 

Here are some of the benefits of common ingredients found in greens smoothies:

• Avocados: contain good fats that help your skin stay hydrated
• Spinach: include high levels of folate that repair DNA and renew your skin
• Kale: has antioxidants and fiber that can reduce inflammation and support digestion

Spinach and Avocado Greens Smoothie

This easy green smoothie recipe uses spinach and avocados mixed with almond milk for a great taste!

Ingredients:

• 2.5 Cups Almond Milk
• 0.5 Avocado
• 2 Cups of Spinach
• 1 Tbsp of Chia Seeds
• 1 Cup of Pineapple chunks
• 1 Scoop of Wild Foods Super Greens Blend

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients in a blender for two to three minutes, or until you get a texture that is creamy and smooth. At that point, taste the smoothie and add more almond milk if it is too thick. You can also add a sweetener if you choose!

Banana & Spinach Greens Smoothie

Here is another greens smoothie recipe that is both tasty and full of health benefits:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 Cups Almond Milk
• 1 Banana
• 1 Cup of Strawberries
• 2 Cups of Spinach
• 1 Scoop of Wild Foods Super Greens Blend

Instructions:

Add all of your ingredients into the blender, starting with the dry ingredients. Start with your blender on low and slowly increase the speed for 50 to 60 seconds. The goal is to get the mixture nice and smooth – make sure to taste it and add any sweeteners if needed!

The Wild Food Super Greens Powder Blend is the perfect addition to any smoothie recipe. It is packed with carotenes, probiotics, and superfoods to support immune and digestive health – all you need is one scoop, and you are good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions about Green Smoothies

What are the benefits of consuming green smoothies?

Green smoothies are a great way to pack a lot of nutrients into one meal or snack. They can support digestion, promote healthy skin and nails, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.

Can green smoothies help with weight management?

Yes, they can! Green smoothies can be rich in fiber and protein, which help to make you feel full and satisfied, potentially assisting with weight management.

Are green smoothies good for the skin?

Absolutely. Ingredients like avocado and spinach have skin-boosting properties. Avocados contain healthy fats that keep your skin hydrated, while spinach is high in folate, which helps to repair DNA and renew the skin.

Can green smoothies cause inflammation?

On the contrary, ingredients like kale in green smoothies have antioxidants and fiber that can help reduce inflammation.

Are green smoothies suitable for diabetics?

Green smoothies can be made suitable for diabetics by avoiding the addition of added sugars and focusing on low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.

Do green smoothies contain added sugars?

No. Green smoothies typically focus on the natural sweetness of fruits and do not require added sugars.

How can I make my green smoothie taste better?

Balancing your smoothie with some fruits, like pineapple or banana, can help to offset the intense flavors of leafy greens.

Can I prepare green smoothies ahead of time?

Yes, green smoothies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Can green smoothies replace meals?

While green smoothies are nutrient-dense, they should not replace a balanced meal. They are best used as part of a balanced diet.

Are green smoothies kid-friendly?

Green smoothies can be a fun and delicious way to help children consume more fruits and vegetables.

Interesting Facts 

Green smoothies can contain a day's worth of fruits and vegetables in a single serving.

The "green" in green smoothies include leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or lettuce.

You can add superfoods, such as chia seeds or probiotics, to green smoothies to boost their health benefits.

Green smoothies are a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions, as they can be easily adjusted to fit vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Adding healthy fats, such as avocados or chia seeds, to a green smoothie can improve the absorption of nutrients.

Related Studies 

Green Smoothies for metabolic regulation

This study explores the benefits of green smoothies on metabolic regulation and overall health. It revealed a positive effect on blood sugar control and body weight management.
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/green-smoothie-calories

Spinach Consumption and skin health

The study highlights the role of spinach in promoting skin health due to its high folate content.
Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach

Role of avocados in hydration and skin health

This research discusses how avocados' good fats help keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/avocado-benefits-for-skin

Antioxidant and fiber content of kale

This article explains how kale can reduce inflammation and support digestion with its antioxidants and fiber. Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-kale

Green Smoothies and Digestion

This study reviews the benefits of green smoothies for improving digestion due to the high fiber content of the ingredients. Link: https://www.livestrong.com/article/13729724-smoothies-for-digestion/

Conclusion

Green smoothies are an excellent option for those seeking a nutrient-dense, delicious, and versatile meal or snack.

With endless combinations of fruits, vegetables, and superfoods, you can tailor your green smoothie to meet your specific dietary needs and taste preferences.

They are beneficial for your overall health and support digestion, promote healthy skin, reduce inflammation, and aid in weight management. Explore the plethora of green smoothie recipes and embrace their health benefits.

🌲Experience the wild wellness in a scoop with our Super Greens Blend. For a healthy boost of energy and nutrients, click here and go wild for greens! 💪

Popular Articles

• Best superfoods for smoothies? Customers weigh in.
• Immune Boosting Superfood Powders for Smoothies | the top superfoods for immune support
• How to make healthy smoothies that taste great: What are the best supplements/powders to add

Looking for a delicious way to add lion's mane mushrooms to your diet? Then the following two recipes are what you're looking for.

Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their many health benefits, including boosting cognitive function and aiding digestion. So not only will this recipe make you feel good, but it will also help you perform at your best!

Lion's mane mushrooms: What are they, and what do they taste like?

Lion's mane mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

They are now gaining popularity in the Western world for their potential health benefits, which include reducing inflammation, boosting cognitive function, and aiding in weight loss.

Lion's mane mushrooms have a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with coffee and smoothies. If you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to start your day, try this lion's mane mushroom recipe!

What does lion's mane taste like?

Lion's mane powder has an earthy flavor. When added to drinks and recipes, the flavor is masked.

This is our preferred way to use powdered lion's mane mushrooms.

On the other hand, if you have whole raw lion's mane mushrooms, you have an entirely different ingredient with unique flavors and uses. Compared to extract, raw whole lion's mane is closer in flavor and texture to regular store-bought white button mushrooms.

Whole cooked lions' mane has a chewy texture depending on how little or much you cook it and is mild in flavor, making it great for sauces since it absorbs flavors. On its own, raw lion's mane doesn't have much flavor at all.

Lion's Mane Mushroom Coffee Recipe

There are many benefits to adding lion's mane mushrooms to your coffee or smoothie. Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their cognitive-enhancing properties and provide a host of other health benefits.

This recipe is perfect for starting your day with a delicious and nutritious cup of mushroom coffee:

Ingredients:

• 8 oz brewed Wild Coffee‍
• One heaping spoon coarsely ground coffee
• 1 tsp Lion's Mane mushroom powder‍
• 2 oz preferred creamer
• Dash of Sweetener to taste (optional)

Directions:

• Brew your coffee
• Add lion's mane, sweetener, and cream
• Blend or froth
• Enjoy!

Optional ingredients to take this to the next level include vanilla powder, collagen, fruit, nut butter, nutritional yeast, Wild Pre/Pro.

Lion's mane extract smoothie recipe

As a coffee lover, I was excited to find this recipe for a Lion's Mane Mushroom Smoothie from The Kitchen. This smoothie is perfect for those mornings when you need an extra energy boost.

The lion's mane mushroom provides a great natural energy source, while the coffee and banana help smooth out the flavor. This smoothie is also great for getting your daily dose of antioxidants.

I recommend this smoothie to anyone looking for a quick and easy way to start their day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of favorite milk
• 1 banana
• 1 tsp Lion's Mane mushroom powder‍
• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp maple syrup optional
• 5x ice cubes
• Optional: 1/2 cup mango or tropical fruit frozen mix

Directions:

• Blend
• Enjoy!

Using lion's mane mushrooms in other recipes

Lion's mane mushrooms can be used in various recipes, not just coffee and smoothies.

Try it in soups, sauces, stir-fries, and baked goods. Lion's mane mushrooms have a mild taste that takes on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with.

So if you're looking for a new way to add some umami to your dishes, consider using lion's mane mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are lion's mane mushrooms?

Lion's mane mushrooms are a type of medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. They are known for their potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting cognitive function, and aiding in weight loss.

What do lion's mane mushrooms taste like?

Lion's mane mushrooms have an earthy flavor. The powder form of the mushrooms can be easily masked when added to drinks and recipes. Whole raw lion's mane mushrooms are mild in flavor and absorb the flavors of sauces and ingredients they are cooked with.

How can lion's mane mushrooms be incorporated into my diet?

They can be added to coffee, smoothies, soups, sauces, stir-fries, and baked goods. They have a mild taste that takes on the flavor of whatever they are cooked with.

Can lion's mane mushrooms be added to coffee?

Yes, lion's mane mushrooms can be added to coffee. They are known for their cognitive-enhancing properties and provide a host of other health benefits, making them a nutritious addition to your morning coffee.

How do I make lion's mane mushroom coffee?

Brew your coffee as usual, add a teaspoon of lion's mane mushroom powder, sweetener, and cream, and then blend or froth.

Can lion's mane mushrooms be added to smoothies?

Yes, lion's mane mushrooms can be added to smoothies. They are a great natural energy source and work well with various smoothie ingredients.

How do I make a lion's mane mushroom smoothie?

Blend a cup of your favorite milk, a banana, a teaspoon of Lion's Mane mushroom powder, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, and five ice cubes. You can also add maple syrup for sweetness and frozen tropical fruits for extra flavor.

What other dishes can I add lion's mane mushrooms to?

You can add lion's mane mushrooms to soups, sauces, stir-fries, and baked goods. They absorb the flavors of the ingredients they are cooked with, making them a versatile addition to many dishes.

What are the health benefits of lion's mane mushrooms?

Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their potential health benefits, which include boosting cognitive function, reducing inflammation, and aiding in weight loss.

Are lion's mane mushrooms suitable for everyday consumption?

Yes, lion's mane mushrooms can be consumed daily. They can be added to your regular diet through drinks like coffee and smoothies, or meals like soups, sauces, and stir-fries.

Interesting Facts

Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their cognitive-enhancing properties and provide a host of other health benefits.

Lion's mane mushrooms have a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with coffee and smoothies.

Lion's mane powder can be easily mixed into drinks and recipes, while whole raw lion's mane mushrooms can absorb flavors from sauces and other ingredients.

These mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be added to various dishes, from coffee and smoothies to soups, sauces, stir-fries, and baked goods.

Lion's mane mushrooms are a natural energy source, making them a great addition to morning smoothies or coffee.

Related Studies

Neurohealth Properties of Hericium erinaceus Mycelia Enriched with Erinacines

This study discusses the neurohealth properties of Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as lion's mane mushrooms, focusing on the bioactive compound Erinacines. It is linked to improved cognitive function and neural health.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5987239/

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract of Lion's Mane Medicinal Mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Agaricomycetes), in Mice with Ulcerative Colitis

This research demonstrates the potential anti-inflammatory effects of lion's mane mushroom extracts on mice with ulcerative colitis, suggesting its usefulness in aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31679209/

Hericium erinaceus: An Edible Mushroom with Medicinal Values

This study provides an overview of the medicinal benefits of lion's mane mushrooms, including its potential role in weight loss and cognitive health.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3852124/

Anti-Fatigue Activities of Polysaccharides Extracted from Hericium erinaceus

The study looks into the anti-fatigue effects of polysaccharides extracted from lion's mane mushrooms, suggesting its potential role as a natural energy source.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4052699/

Lion's Mane, Hericium erinaceus and Tiger Milk, Lignosus rhinocerotis (Higher Basidiomycetes) Medicinal Mushrooms Stimulate Neurite Outgrowth in Dissociated Cells of Brain, Spinal Cord, and Retina: An In Vitro Study

This study explores the potential of lion's mane mushrooms to stimulate neurite outgrowth in the brain, spinal cord, and retina cells, offering insights into their cognitive-enhancing properties.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4415746/

Conclusion

If you're looking for a delicious way to add lion's mane mushrooms to your diet, look no further than adding them to your daily coffee and smoothie routines.

Lion's mane mushrooms are known for their health benefits, which include boosting cognitive function and reducing inflammation. So not only will this recipe taste great, but it will also help you feel your best.

🦁 Unleash your brain power with our Lion's Mane supplement! Boost your memory and focus – try it today! 🧠

Bone Broth on the Paleo Diet

Not only is bone broth a delicious drink, but it is also packed with health benefits. It contains collagen, vitamins, and minerals that serve as the perfect supplement for your nutrition while you are on the paleo diet!

Bone broth is made by boiling the bones and connective tissues of animals like cows, chickens, and fish. As they simmer, the nutrients are absorbed into the liquid. You can then enjoy that broth as a warm, nourishing drink.

Keeping Things Simple

If you are just getting started, you can try out this simple bone broth recipe. 

Start by getting 3 to 4 pounds of bones – you can choose which ones you would like to use. Add the bones and a gallon of water into your crockpot, then sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. 

Next, cook the broth on a low setting for about 10 hours. This should allow plenty of time for the bones to simmer and your broth to cook! After the time is up, let the liquid cool, strain it, and pour it into your storage container. 

This recipe makes a large batch, so you will have plenty of bone broth to enjoy!

Pressure Cooker Bone Broth

You can also make bone broth in a pressure cooker! The concept is the same as with a crockpot but using a pressure cooker significantly cuts down the cooking time – without losing any of the nutritional value!

This recipe also requires about 2 pounds of turkey, beef, or chicken bones. You will also add 2 carrot and celery stalks, 1 onion, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Of course, you still need to add water to help the ingredients simmer.

Once you place all the ingredients in the pressure cooker, set the burner to high and ensure that the pressure setting is on. When the pressure cooker starts to steam, turn the burner down to medium/low and let it continue to cook for another hour.

After time has elapsed, remove the pot from the burner and allow the pressure to release. All that's left to do now is strain the broth and enjoy!

Chicken Bone Broth

You should also try this delicious chicken bone broth recipe!

It uses the bones of 2 to 3 chickens, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a gallon of cold water. Bring the water to a boil, then drop it to a low simmer for at least 24 hours. Make sure to stir it a few times during this process!

Next, add in the following ingredients: 2 onions, 4 to 5 carrots, 6 to 8 celery stalks, up to 8 cloves of garlic, 3 bay leaves, and a teaspoon of salt. Let these simmer for an additional 4 to 8 hours, but make sure to take off the lid for the last 2 hours. 

Finally, strain the bone broth, and you are done.

It’s the new year, and we’re presenting 4 easy ways to stick to your resolution of eating healthy in 2021. All 4 have one thing in common - the Instant Pot. This device not only speeds up cooking but also ensures you eat healthier.

Due to the closed cooking environment, it retains more nutrients. In addition, it’s also best suited for meal prep - cooking healthy meals in bulk, and freezing them for later use.

All said it’s the perfect lifestyle makeover to make in 2021. So don’t wait any further - check out the 4 Instant Pot recipes that are sure to have your favorite people raving about you.

Instant Pot Beef And Broccoli

Instant Pot beef and broccoli is a dish that combines two ingredients rich in nutrients, in the device that retains the most of their benefits. Broccoli is considered a superfood and is a good source of MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) Oil. It helps you lose weight, reduce appetite, get an energy boost, and lessen inflammation. Also, beef has lots of iron and vitamins, especially the rare and special Vitamin B12.

This finger-licking recipe from Corrie Cooks gets a meal done in just 25 minutes. A far cry from the traditional cook times that range around the 1-hour mark.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb flank steak or chuck roast, cut in thin strips
• 1 lb broccoli, divided into florets
• 1 tbs canola oil
• 2 tbs sesame oil
• ¾ cup beef broth
• ½ cup soy sauce (gluten-free)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 3 tbs cornstarch
• 3 tbs water

Instructions

1. Put the Instant Pot into Saute mode, and pour in the canola oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, start browning the beef in batches.
3. Then, put all the ingredients except the cornstarch and water into the Instant Pot, and stir well so that the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Seal the lid, and cook for 10 minutes under high pressure. 
5. Once over, release the pressure quickly. 
6. Add cornstarch and water to the pot, stirring well until the mixture is smooth.
7. Put in the broccoli and set the Instant Pot to Saute.
8. Shut the lid, and cook for 3 minutes (in Saute mode only). Add 2 more minutes if the broccoli is frozen.

Instant Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken

Gluten and dairy-free, this recipe is going to have your guests raving for more. Soy sauce, even gluten-free, is not the healthiest. There are many healthier options out there that you could opt for.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs/breasts, skinless and boneless
• ½ cup Bourbon
• ½ cup apple juice
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup soy sauce (gluten-free, or use a substitute)
• 2 tbs honey
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, pressed
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 tbs cornstarch
• 3 tbs water

Instructions

1. Put all the ingredients except cornstarch, water, and onions into the Instant Pot. Mix well, and ensure that the chicken is well coated.
2. Close the lid, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes (18 if the chicken is frozen).
3. Meanwhile, add cornstarch to the water and mix until completely dissolved.
4. When the cooking is over, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, and then let it out quickly. 
5. Take the chicken out, and chop into bite-sized portions.
6. Put the Instant Pot into Saute mode, and pour in the cornstarch mix slowly, stirring constantly until the gravy thickens. 
7. Switch off, and mix in the chicken. Garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Instant Pot Brownies

Brownies are typically made from all-purpose flour, which is not just gluten loaded but is also detrimental to your health. The good news is that these brownies are gluten-free, gorgeous, and gone in no time at all.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin/carrots, pureed
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbs vanilla extract (Or, ½ tbs vanilla powder)
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup rice flour
• ½ tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Put all the ingredients into a large bowl. Mix well.
2. Take a 7-inch springform pan, and grease the inner surface. Pour in the batter, and cover it with foil. 
3. Pour 2 cups of water into the Instant Pot, and place in a trivet. 
4. Cut a long piece of foil, and fold it to 1/3rd of its width, to form a sling. Use it to lower the pan onto the trivet.
5. Cook for 35 minutes under high pressure, and then release the pressure quickly. 
6. Take the pan out, allow the brownies to cool, and serve.

Instant Pot Lentil Sloppy Joes

Meet the healthier version of sloppy joes. And the reason why the Instant Pot is best suited to make this recipe is time. While the cooking time here is just 30 minutes, the traditional method takes more than an hour.

Ingredients

• 1 lb green/brown lentils
• ½ green bell pepper, diced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 1 carrot, peeled, diced
• 3 cups water
• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbs tomato paste
• 1 tbs white vinegar
• 3 tbs Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce
• 1 tbs yellow mustard
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt, or as per taste

To Serve

• Gluten-free buns
• Pickles
• Mustard
• Ketchup

Instructions

1. Put the Instant Pot into saute mode, and put in some oil or cooking spray.
2. When it heats up, put in the carrot, onions, and pepper.
3. Cook, for 5 minutes, stirring so that everything cooks evenly.
4. Throw in all the other ingredients, and mix well.
5. Seal the lid, and cook for 12 minutes under high pressure.
6. Allow for a natural pressure release.
7. Cut the buns in half, spread the pickles and sauces of your choice on it, and ladle in a generous helping of the cooked lentils. Serve with a happy smile!

Adopt the Instant Pot for a healthier lifestyle, and you’ll see the results reflected in your family’s smiles. Also, take it to the next level, embracing a holistic approach to your health, using only sustainably sourced, pure, premium supplements, health boosters, and teas.

​You are missing out if you don't know how fantastic cold brew coffee is.

(And a great place to get your first taste is with our Wild Cold Brew brew-at-home pouches.)

Cold Brew coffee is different than typical hot brewed coffee because it is brewed with cold water (duh). There are a few methods for doing this, but in our tests, we have found that using ice-cold water and brewing for 24 hours in the fridge yields the best results.

​When you brew coffee using hot water, you get a fast extraction but at the cost of a more acidic cup of coffee due to the hot water pulling out more of the harsh components of the grounds--oils, acids, and aromatic molecules.

This results in a robust and acidic cup of coffee. For many, this acidic cup of coffee is too harsh to drink without sugar and cream.

Enter Cold Brew Iced Coffee.

For those who don't like black coffee, cold brew coffee might change your mind. The cold brew method produces a smooth, low-acid, sweet coffee cup. And when you pour it over ice, man-o-man, it is damn good!

Brewing cold-brew coffee is easy if you have the right tools and great coffee.

What you'll need to cold brew coffee:

• Pre-chilled glass container - (a mason jar or cold press works.)
• 1 liter (34 ounces) of ice-cold filtered water
• 85g of fresh ground Wild Coffee beans ground to the size of thick-grained sea salt/breadcrumbs
• A method of straining the grounds; paper filter, fine-mesh strainer, french press

How to Cold Brew Coffee Method:

1. Grind coffee beans to a medium grind size
2. Add grounds to a glass container and pour in water
3. Stir until all grounds are entirely submerged
4. Cover and place in the fridge
5. Optional: check after a few hours and stir to make sure all grounds are submerged
6. After 24 hours, remove the container from the refrigerator and stir one last time
7. Strain
8. Pour over ice and drink!
9. ​Store remainder in a sealed container and enjoy within a few days.

If you have yet to try cold brew coffee, I highly recommend you. As with any cup of coffee, the better quality bean you use, the better cup of coffee you'll get.

You'll love our whole bean Wild Coffee.

Common Cold Brew Coffee Questions

​No one wants the experience of preparing your cold brew, waiting in eager anticipation of that first delicious sip, only to discover the whole batch is...well, kind of awful. Here are a few common mistakes – what went wrong and how to avoid a bad batch.

The Wrong Beans

While the cold brew process can be more forgiving than your typical drip-brewed coffee pot, good beans still matter. If you started with low-quality, maybe even stale coffee beans, you will most likely end up with a sub-par cup of joe.

Always choose a high-quality, organic bean to brew, and you'll set yourself up for a better result. Of course, we go with fair trade, non-GMO, organic, small batch, and freshly roasted beans.

And can you use decaf for cold brew? Absolutely!

The Proper Cold Brew Grind

If you've tasted your cold brew batch to be too bitter, consider the grind size you used. It's too fine of a grind that leaves that extra bitter aftertaste in cold brew.

Since your coffee will be steeping for many hours, choose a courser grind, something resembling the texture of sugar or sea salt is typically a good size.

When It Comes To Water Temps - Just Chill

Many people find themselves somewhat freaking out about what water temperature you must use for cold brew.

Do I start with hot water or go warm? Should I add ice before putting it in the fridge? And so on. It doesn't have to be that complicated.

Unless you're the scientific type and want to do a taste-testing experiment (since hot water can highlight different flavors in the coffee), go with anything between room temp and fridge cold water for the best results.

If you soak the coffee grinds for 12 hours, you'll probably find your cold brew weak and somewhat astringent. Let the brew sit in the fridge for 18 to 24 hours before straining. Then get ready for a smooth taste that was worth the wait!

Don't Be Too Strained About Straining

When you're waiting in such mouthwatering suspense, it can be tempting to race through the straining process, but trust us, don't rush it.

Do not poke, prod, or force your cold brew through the cheesecloth or filter unless you want bitter disappointment.

Savor the experience and process. Be patient, and your reward will be smooth and sweet.

To Dilute Or Not To Dilute…?

DO NOT DILUTE is the answer to the question.

Your cold brew is meant to be stored in the refrigerator as a concentrate. Don't water it down, or it shortens its life (to a sad little 2-3 days). Note: If you're not keeping your brew in the fridge, it can and most likely will mold.

If appropriately stored (refrigerated) as an undiluted concentrate, although flavor quality typically starts to degrade after a week, your cold brew should last for about two weeks.​

It's only when you're pouring up a glass and ready to drink it should you be diluting your cold brew.

Frozen Coffee?

Love your beverages a little extra on the arctic side? Try freezing up some coffee cubes.

Just take an ice cube tray and pour in some leftover coffee. (If leftover coffee is a foreign concept in your house, brew an extra cup for this cool purpose.) Freeze those coffee cubes and use them in your next glass of extra-cold cold brew.

​So cold brew is not only a fun way to brew, it's a taste of the bean any coffee connoisseur should give a try!