Iced
Tea
Iced
tea! What a fabulous beverage. It's funny to me how tea is
so widely accepted throughout the world yet most people (especially
those outside of the U.S.) will only drink it hot. Don't get
me wrong I love hot beverages, just, not all the time.
I
also love the fact that I can drink iced tea as sweet...or
as unsweet as I'm in the mood for. Yes, sometimes I like it
sweet, sometimes not. Sometimes I'll put lemon or mint, and
sometimes just plain. Call me fickle, but I don't care. Besides,
I drink for satisfaction and pleasure, not to be politically
correct.
History
Tidbit
Back in 1904, Americans mostly drank green tea from China.
At the St. Louis World's Fair, an Englishman by the name of
Richard Blechynden was trying to introduce Americans to the
new India and Ceylon black tea.
There
happened to be a heat wave going on at the time and lines
were not forming to try this steamy hot beverage. After a
few days of frustration, he tried adding ice to the tea in
order to entice people to try it.
It
was the hit of the fair and a new way of drinking tea had
instantly taken hold!
A
Little about Cloudiness
Most types of teas seem to be better off served hot. Some
teas actually taste funny cold, while others turn out cloudy.
The cloudiness won't hurt you and it doesn't affect the taste,
only the appearance.
If
you want your tea to be clear, try buying tea that is specially
blended for iced tea. It will have fewer tannins, which is
what causes the cloudiness.
If
you brew your tea with hot water, let it cool to room temperature
before adding ice. If your tea turns out cloudy, try adding
a little bit of boiling water or a little lemon juice. This
will sometimes help.
Tip:
Make iced tea stronger than regular tea to compensate for
dillution from the ice.
Quick
Brewing Instructions
To brew a quart, place either 4 to 5 bags or teaspoons of
loose tea in a pitcher. Bring 2 cups of cold, tap water or
filtered water to a boil. Pour the boiling water directly
over the tea and steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove tea bags
or strain and then add 2 more cups of cold water. Serve over
ice.
Sun
Brewed Iced Tea
Fill a container with 4 cups of cold water, preferably filtered.
Place 6 bags or 6 teaspoons of tea and cover or cap lightly.
Place in direct sunlight for 2 to 4 hours (depending on desired
strength). Remove bags or strain and serve over ice.
Cold
Water Method
Fill a container with 4 cups of cold water, preferably filtered.
Place 6 bags or 6 teaspoons of tea and cover or cap lightly.
Place in the refrigerator for 8 hours. Remove bags or strain
and serve over ice.
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