How To Make Sun Tea

Definition of Sun and "refrigerator" tea

Iced tea can also be brewed by placing tea bags (or loose tea) in a large glass container with water and leaving the container in the sun for a number of hours. This often results in a mellower flavor, and has the added advantage of being only slightly warmer than room temperature after brewing and therefore can be enjoyed immediately. Another advantage is that sun tea does not require using electricity or burning fuel, thus saving energy. Sun tea can be served with syrup or lemon.

Sometimes, the temperature of the tea is not heated high enough to kill any bacteria, leaving the water potentially dangerous to drink. Proper cleaning measures and refrigeration must be undertaken to make the tea safe. The tea must be discarded if it appears thick, syrupy, or has ropey strands in it.

Because of this danger an alternative called "refrigerator tea" has been suggested where the tea is brewed in the refrigerator overnight. This has the dual advantage of preventing the growth of harmful bacteria and the tea already being cold without the addition of ice. Documentation License. Wikipedia/ icedtea

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Article: How To Make Sun Tea

In the lazy, hazy days of summer, when it's too hot and too much work to boil water, this is a great way to make tea. You can actually steep tea using just the energy of the sun, but in order for the tea to steep properly (and if you want to avoid food poisoning) follow these steps.

Ingredients

4 cups of cold water

5 teabags or 5 teaspoons of tea leaves

Steps

1 - Wash a clear container thoroughly with hot water and antibacterial soap. Sun tea steeps at an ideal temperature for bacterial growth, so it's important to sanitize the container before you start.

2 - Fill the container with 4 cups of cold water. Use the most purified water you can get your hands on.

3 - Add 5 teabags or 5 teaspoons of tea leaves and cover the container securely.

4 - Place the container in direct sunlight for at least two hours. Taste the tea periodically to see if it's ready.

5 - Remove the tea bags or strain out the tea leaves.

6 - Pour into glasses, mix with sugar (optional) and serve iced.

6 - Drink all the tea within a few hours.

Warning

If you see ropy-looking strands in your tea, or any other unusual-looking particles, chances are your tea has become a bacterial hotbed. Throw the tea out and clean your container thoroughly before your next attempt.

Things You'll Need

• A clear container (e.g. a coffee pot or a clean, large, dill pickle jar)

• Tea

• Water (preferably purified)

See Also

• Sweet Tea

• National Hot Tea Month.

• National Iced Tea Month

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