Making Iced Tea - Recipe
How to Brew Iced Tea
by Chas Kroll
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Iced tea can be made from loose leaves of all types |
As
the hot summer months approach, our tastes begin to shift
from wintertime warmers to summertime coolers. In the U.S.,
iced tea dominates the list of summertime thirst quenchers.
Making
iced tea is simple. Making great iced tea is another matter.
It takes more than simply boiling water and dropping in
a couple of tea bags.
A
few important facts. About 80 per cent of the tea
consumed in the U.S. is served iced. The average American
drinks nearly 6.5 gallons of iced tea per year. As much
as 60 per cent of the tea consumed in the U.S. occurs in
the Southern states, most of which (90 per cent) is iced.
A
few important tips. Fresh tea makes the best iced
tea, so don't refrigerate it for days after you make it.
Make it and drink it. Adjust sugar or sweetener to personal
taste if used. Thoroughly chill the tea before serving.
If you add ice, use cubes, not chips.
Most
important. You make great iced tea by starting
with a great tea, one that is full of flavor and will satisfy
your tastes. Great chefs sauté their cuisine using
a wine they would serve their guests. The same principle
applies to making great iced tea.
Preparing
great iced tea. Measure out the amount of tea according
to this formula: Six heaping teaspoons of loose-leaf tea
for each quart you want to prepare. Add it to your serving
pitcher.
The
big surprise. Add spring water at room-temperature,
18°-24°C (65°-75°F), not boiling water,
to the pitcher. Set it aside and allow the tea to steep
for an hour or so in your refrigerator. Because the tea
leaves can be used again, set them aside and refrigerate.
You will be able to make at least two more pitchers when
you start with a quality, loose-leaf tea.
About
lemon. The purpose of lemon is not just to make
the glass look attractive. For many serious iced tea drinkers,
lemon is a required accoutrement. So, cut a lemon into eight
wedges, and serve one alongside each glass. Serve in ice-filled
glasses.
About
sun tea. We are often asked about "Sun Tea." Scientific evidence supports
the idea that the sun provides the perfect medium for bacteria
to grow!
Iced Tea recommendations: We find chilled mint tea such as Zhena's Gypsy Tea Egyptian Mint (with a green tea base) to be particularly refreshing. For a classic, sweet Southern version try Leroy Hill Iced Tea.
For more great ideas, check our tea reviews.
Convenient, easy-to-fill T-Sac Iced Tea Filters ($8) are
ideal for making loose-leaf iced tea. The gusseted bottom
allows the tea leaves to open, unfold and release their full
flavor. Each box contains 100 filters.
© Copyright 2004. Royal Dynasty Tea. All rights
reserved
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