What is Sun Tea and How to Make It?

What is Sun tea?

Sun tea is a type of iced tea that is made by steeping tea leaves in water that has been heated by the sun's rays. It is a simple and refreshing beverage that can be made using a variety of tea leaves, herbs, and other ingredients. Sun tea is a popular summertime drink and can be enjoyed on its own or served with ice, lemon, or other mixers.

 

How to make sun tea?

To make sun tea, you will need a large, heat-resistant glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, a selection of tea leaves or herbal blends, and water. You will also need a sunny location where the jar can be placed for several hours to allow the ingredients to steep in the water.

Here is a step-by-step guide to making sun tea:

• Choose your tea leaves or herbal blends: Select a variety of tea leaves or herbs that you enjoy. You can use black tea, green tea, herbal blends, or a combination of different types of tea leaves. If you are using loose tea leaves, measure out 1 to 2 tablespoons of tea per 946 ml of water. If you are using tea bags, use 1 to 2 tea bags per 946ml of water.

• Fill the jar with cold water and add the tea leaves or herbal blends. Stir the mixture to ensure that the tea leaves/bags are fully submerged in the water.

• Place the jar in a sunny location where it can be exposed to the rays of the sun for several hours. The exact amount of time will depend on the strength of the sun, the type of tea leaves you are using, and your personal preference for the strength of the tea. As a general rule, sun tea should steep for at least 3 to 4 hours, but it can be left for up to 6 hours for a stronger flavor.

• After the tea has steeped for the desired amount of time, strain the tea leaves or herbs from the water using a fine-mesh sieve or a tea infuser. Discard the tea leaves and transfer the tea to a pitcher or other container for serving.

• Serve the sun tea over ice, with lemon or other mixers, if desired. Add a slice of lemon and a decorative umbrella for some fun. Sun tea can be enjoyed on its own or with a meal.

Some tips for making the best sun tea include using fresh, cold water and high-quality tea leaves or herbs, placing the jar in a location where it will be exposed to direct sunlight, and avoiding over-steeping the tea, which can result in a bitter flavour. It is also important to keep the jar covered while it is steeping to prevent contamination and to refrigerate the tea after it has been strained to prevent bacterial growth.

Benefits of Sun Tea

Sun tea has several benefits compared to traditional iced tea, which is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water and then chilling the tea in the refrigerator. Some of the benefits of sun tea include:

• It is easy and convenient to make: Sun tea is a simple and straightforward beverage to make at home. It requires no special equipment or expertise and can be made using a large jar, tea leaves, and water. This makes it a convenient and accessible option for people who want to enjoy iced tea anywhere
• Sun tea flavour is unique and subtle - different from traditional iced tea. Since the tea leaves are steeped in cold water, the flavour is more nuanced than hot-brewed tea. This makes sun tea a good option for people who prefer lighter, more subtle flavours
• Sun tea is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for making iced tea. It does not require electricity or fuel to heat the water, it has a lower environmental impact. This makes it a good choice for people who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and support the environment
• Making sun tea is a fun and social activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family. It can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time together and can also be a fun and educational experience for children who are interested in learning about the process of making tea.

In Conclusion

Sun tea is a refreshing and simple beverage that can be made using tea leaves, herbs, and water. It is a popular summertime drink that can be enjoyed on its own or served with ice, lemon, or other mixers. To make sun tea, choose your tea leaves or herbal blends, fill the jar with water, place the jar in a sunny location, strain the tea, and serve and enjoy. By following these steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can make delicious sun tea at home.