Is sun tea safe to drink?

Is sun tea safe to drink?

But despite the joy of making something so simple, sun tea has had its day in science labs and alas, sun tea can pose a health risk. It seems that tea brewed in the sun creates a breeding ground for bacteria and so, if we go with science shows us, sun tea is not such a good idea.

Can you add lemons to sun tea?

INSTRUCTIONS: Pour 16 cups of water into a glass container, tie the 16 tea bags together, and add them to the water. Cover and allow to sit in the sun for 4 hours. Remove the tea bags, add sliced lemons, and ice.

What are the benefits of sun tea?

Not only is it a popular homemade beverage, but sun tea also has loads of health benefits. Tea is chock full of antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help decrease your risk of heart attack and diabetes. Plus, sun tea is a breeze to prepare; in fact, the sun does much of the work for you.

How long does it take to for sun tea to make?

Place jar in direct sunshine. Steep tea for 3 to 4 hours (do not exceed 4 hours) Remove tea bags. Sweeten warm tea, if desired (do not add sweetener until steeping is finished)

Why is Sun Tea unsafe?

The biggest issue with sun tea is bacteria. Warm, damp spots, like a jar filled with water and tea leaves and placed in the sun, can be a breeding ground for unhealthy bacteria – especially if sugar is added to the sun tea while it is steeping.

Does sun tea need to be refrigerated?

For those that want to continue making sun tea, here are some recommended safety measures to prevent any harmful effects: Refrigerate the tea as soon as it is ready and keep it refrigerated. Add sweeteners and garnish AFTER the tea is brewed.

Is sun tea a southern thing?

Sweet Tea is about as southern as you can get. Southern Sweet Sun Tea is how we roll in this Southern household! Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, up there with water, coffee, and beer (which are all things I love).

How many tea bags do I use for a gallon of sun tea?

8 tea bags
Put 4 to 8 tea bags into a clean 2 quart or gallon glass container (4 teabags for a 2-quart container, 8 tea bags for a gallon container). Fill with water and cap. Place in sun: Place outside where the sunlight can strike the container for about 3 to 5 hours.

Does sun tea go bad if not refrigerated?

Do not leave the tea to brew in the sun for longer than 4 hours. Prepare only the amount of tea you plan to consume in that same day. Refrigerate the tea as soon as it is ready and keep it refrigerated. Do not use the tea if it appears thick, syrupy, or has a bad odor.

Is sun tea better than brewed tea?

According to the The Centers for Disease Control “the practice of making ‘sun tea’ by steeping tea bags in a container of water in the sun may be a higher theoretical risk than brewing tea at higher temperatures because it provides an environment where bacteria are more likely to survive and multiply.” Tea steeped in a …

Who invented sun tea?

Thomas Sullivan
But they most likely made their summer beverage by brewing it hot and pouring it over ice, albeit without teabags since those are thought to have been invented in 1908 by Thomas Sullivan.

Does bacteria grow in sun tea?

Sun tea is the perfect medium for bacteria to grow. The essential problem is that sun tea will not get hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which is not hot enough to kill bacteria in the water or in the tea leaves. Ropy bacteria are commonly found in soil and water.