How to Make Sun Tea

Cool down with this summer with this hot drink!

Guest Post By: Skyler Huspen, Dominican University Nutrition Student

It’s the end of June and sweltering outside. You’re hot, and you’re thirsty. You want tea, but there’s no way you’re turning on the stove to boil water. Why not use the sun’s powerful rays to naturally brew tea? Sun tea is super easy to make and best of all – – no cooking is required!

This basic sun tea recipe is my favorite because it’s flexible and inexpensive. For starters, you’ll need a clear, glass pitcher with a lid to prevent anything from falling in and contaminating your sun tea. This recipe gives you the freedom to brew any type of tea, and you’re not limited to using tea bags. You can place fresh herbs in the pitcher if you want an herbal tea, or use loose tea leaves in an infuser if you prefer. I used 8 tea bags for a 1-gallon pitcher, but you’ll want to adjust that based on your pitcher size and taste preference. To control the strength of your sun tea, use fewer tea bags or simply reduce the brewing time. Keep in mind, it’s not recommended to brew your tea for longer than four hours because bacteria can start to grow.

June 20^th is the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year. Take advantage of the extra sunlight, and use it’s powerful rays to make sun tea. For more easy beat the heat recipes like Tuna Taco Olé, Lightened Up Layer Salad, and Pineapple Chicken Kebobs, download Time to Eat Healthy: Homemade Meals in Minutes. It’s FREE on the App Store and on Google Play.

Sun Tea

Yields 16 Cups of Tea

Prep Time = 5 minutes

Brewing Time = 2-4 hours, depending on desired strength of tea

Ingredients:

• 8 tea bags (your choice)
• Enough distilled or bottled water to fill the pitcher

Directions:

1. Clean a glass pitcher with warm, soapy water
2. Fill pitcher with distilled or bottled water
3. Add tea bags. Cover pitcher tightly.
4. Place pitcher in direct sunlight for 2-4 hours.
5. Serve chilled or over ice.

Nutrient Information per Serving (one 8 oz glass): 0 calories, 0 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 0 mg potassium, 0 mg phosphorus

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