Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86027776.tip.html

Make Sun Tea for Summer Events

When helping out at a summer event, I didn't brew hot tea for the iced tea - but just made "sun tea" by soaking the teabags in the urns we had and putting them in the sun. It made tea concentrate, and didn't have to be cooled down very much to drink. It just needed a bit of ice!

By pamphyila from LA, CA

Feedback About This Post:

RE: Make Sun Tea for Summer Events

Did a bit of research and found that the bacteria come from the water and not the dried tea. (Wouldn't that also be true for water straight from the tap?) And the caffeine in the tea will inhibit any bacteria for a few hours - which is as long as events last! Just put it in a very clean container - and cool it asap - I most make refrigerator tea, which being kept cold is supposed to be oK - But herbal tea does not have the caffeine to inhibit the bacteria - so that would be a problem. I prefer my ice tea on the weak side, actually - so brewed ice tea seems too strong for me.

Post by pamphyila

RE: Make Sun Tea for Summer Events

I too have heard that sun tea is not safe. Tea bags have bacteria, germs or whatever, being that it's a natural product. They need to brew in boiling water to kill whatever could make you sick. I know there's plenty of people who've drank sun tea for years with no ill effects but probably isn't the best practice.

I myself never cared for the taste of sun tea. It just isn't that good full-bodied taste that you get from brewing. I bought a Mr Coffee iced tea maker from Wal-Mart for 20 bucks and I can make up to 3 qts quick as a wink. Within just a short period of time you are drinking fresh, delicious, cold iced tea.

Post by Debbie52

RE: Make Sun Tea for Summer Events

I have to agree with hamnurse. I used to do the same thing until I read an article on a health page that made sense. Making it outside and then bringing to a picnic would double the problem of bacteria.I just put in in the frig and it makes tea the same way.

Post by LORD01

RE: Make Sun Tea for Summer Events

Correct me if I am wrong, but did we not hear on TV, etc. that this method does not raise the temperature high enough to kill bacteria found in tea? I was under the impression we are supposed to bring the water temp to a near boil for a minute or two, then add the tea, then steep for 5 minutes. Just wondering.

Post by hamnurse

Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf86027776.tip.html

Disclaimer: ThriftyFun.com cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, or property when following any advice given on this site. Read the full disclaimer: http://www.thriftyfun.comdisclaimer.ldml If you find any information on ThriftyFun.com or in our newsletters that is either erroneous and/or potentially harmful to others, please Contact Us, immediately.