Buzz
When the sun is so scorching that just thinking about boiling water makes you sweat, why not brew a cup of tea using the sunlight? This method of making tea with solar energy is quite popular during the summer, and you won't need electricity or gas. Read on to discover how to make Sun Tea using tea bags or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Traditional Sun Tea
- 4 cups of distilled water
- 5 tea bags of your choice
Herbal Sun Tea
- 4 cups of distilled water
- 1 cup of fresh herbs such as mint, hibiscus flowers, chamomile, lemon balm, or lemon, etc.
Steps
Traditional Sun Tea
Choose a Tea Jar. You need a clean jar to brew the tea so that sunlight can penetrate the tea bags and water. Make sure to choose a jar with a lid to prevent insects and dust from getting into the tea.
- Ensure that the jar you use is easy to clean. Avoid jars that are difficult to clean, such as those with spouts that trap residue.
- Avoid using plastic containers for brewing Sun Tea. Chemicals from plastic can leach into the water, affecting the taste of the tea and potentially harming your health.
Clean the tea pot. Water heated by sunlight can reach a maximum temperature of 130°C, which is ideal for bacteria to thrive. To reduce the risk of contamination, cleaning the tea pot you plan to use is essential.
- Boil a large pot of water on the stove. Place the tea pot into the boiling water for a few minutes, then use tongs to remove the pot and let it drain.
- If you're not keen on boiling water (after all, it’s summer!), use dish soap and hot water to clean the tea pot and lid.
Fill the pot with 4 cups of cold water. To prevent bacterial growth, use distilled water, which you can easily find in grocery stores. You can also use bottled spring water to ensure the purest taste for your tea.
Add 5 tea bags. Any kind of tea bag will work for making sun tea. You can choose black tea, green tea, or any herbal variety. If you want a more robust flavor, you can add 5 more tea bags. Feel free to add more water if you prefer a milder brew.
Place the tea pot directly under the sun for 2-4 hours. You can set it on a windowsill or a table. Be sure the pot is positioned to receive direct sunlight without any obstructions.
- Don’t leave the pot in the sun for more than 4 hours. Prolonged exposure can promote bacterial growth.
- Avoid placing the pot on the ground. Use a tray or a clean surface to keep it elevated.
Remove the tea bags from the pot. After a few hours under the sun, your tea will have rich color and flavor. Remove the tea bags. You can also leave the bags in the pot if you want to chill the tea later.
- Check the surface of the tea to see if any bacteria has developed. If you spot white strands or spots, the tea has been contaminated and should be discarded.
- If there’s a film on the surface of the tea, pour it out.
Enjoy the sun tea. You can add some sugar if you like. Pour the tea into a glass cup and enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat.
Herbal Sun Tea
Select your favorite herbs. What is your favorite herb? Many people choose mint, but you can mix and match multiple herbs for your tea. Use a cup full of one or more herbs, or less than a cup if you want a more subtle flavor.
- Try blending different flavors. For instance, lemon with chamomile, mint with rosemary, or basil and hibiscus flowers.
- Opt for the freshest herbs available. Choose fresh herbs whenever possible. If buying from a market or store, ensure they aren't wilted or discolored.
- Go for organic herbs. Making tea with herbs that have been treated with pesticides isn't ideal for your health.
Rinse the herbs. Wash them thoroughly with cold water. Use your fingers to gently work between the leaves and stems to remove dirt and any wilted leaves. There’s no need to chop the herbs or discard the stems.
Place water and herbs in the pot. Drop the herbs into a sterilized tea pot containing 4 cups of distilled water or bottled spring water. Close the lid on the tea pot.
Soak the tea in water and place it under the sun. Put the tea pot near a window or on any clean surface where it will receive direct sunlight. Let the tea bags steep for 2 to 4 hours. Finish steeping when the tea turns a golden yellow or green, depending on the type of herbs you’ve used.
Enjoy your tea. Herbal sun tea is not only delicious but also great for your health. Pour the tea into a glass, and feel free to add honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Add a few ice cubes if you'd like to enjoy it cold.
Tips
- Try adding a few slices of lemon for extra flavor.
The video suggests adding ice before the sugar, but remember to add sugar first, then the ice.
- If you're concerned about bacteria, you can steep the tea in the fridge the same way. However, it will take longer, approximately 8 hours or overnight steeping.
Warning
- The CDC has addressed some, but not all, concerns regarding the safety of sun-brewed tea. What the CDC has confirmed is the presence of the bacterium Alcaligenes viscolactis in purified water, a finding that has been proven through research. However, the concerns about this issue have been exaggerated by sensationalized internet stories and a constant demand for food poisoning headlines. The most important factor is ensuring the cleanliness of the tea leaves and any ingredients used.
- If you notice any unusual fibers or particles in your tea, it’s likely that the tea has become a breeding ground for bacteria. In that case, discard the tea and thoroughly clean the pot before brewing another batch.
What You’ll Need
- A clean glass jar
- Tea bags or fresh herbs
- Distilled or purified water
