You are going to love Sun Tea. My sister and I always put glasses or pitchers of water with a tea bag and left in on the window. When we came back there was always a fresh glass of Sun Tea to enjoy. There are so many different ways for you to enjoy this spring/summer time treat. Whichever one you enjoy make sure to tell us what it was!
1. The basic method:
Place tea bags into a clean 3 quart clear glass jar. Make sure to leave the paper tags on the outside of the jar. Add the water and screw on the lid.
Let the jar of tea stand in direct sunlight for 4-5 hours or until the tea reaches the desired strength. Remove and throw away the tea bags. Add sugar to suit your taste, then serve over ice. Refrigerate any leftovers.
2. Sweetening the tea
You can add fresh lemon or orange slices and mint leaves. If you don't want to add sugar, you can boil together 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup water and add it in place of the sugar.
3. Use the proper container
You always want to use glass instead of plastic for sun tea. Make sure it is extremely clean! This process can easily turn into a bacteria hangout. Signs of bacteria growth: ropey strands or strings have developed in the liquid or the result is a thick, syrupy liquid that smells off.
4. Follow the ideal time table
Don’t leave the sun tea to brew for more than 4 hours.
The key is not allowing sun tea to sit out and come to room temperature. Refrigerate and drink as soon as possible. Don’t prepare more than you can drink in a day or two. Throw out the leftovers after day two.
5. What kind of tea to use
Black teas are the perfect for summer sun tea and also make a great foundation for infusing with other seasoning goodies, such as fruits and herbs. I have also had great success with green, jasmine and lavender tea, which I love due to their earthy flavors.
6. Sun tea can also be made without the sun
The refrigerator method is popular due to it being more safe from bacteria, it just takes longer. If you leave your tea overnight in the fridge, you will also have freshly brewed tea.
I hope you have fun experimenting with sun teas! This method is perfect for when the weather heats up so you don't have to turn on your stove and it is fun watching the tea change colors and being able to sip it over ice after.
There is just something so simply wonderful about a glass of fresh sun tea.
Are you going to give it a try using these tips?
Let us know how it turns out!
For more great ideas visit: Mommy's Kitchen!
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