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Sun Tea Season - Ahhhhhhhhhhh (1 Viewer)

General Malaise

Footballguy
Alright, it's going to touch 90 or so here which means it's time to make some Sun Tea! Nothing better than a refreshing glass of Sun Tea over ice on a hot day. Here's what I'm doing the second I get home:

- Get out my big old thick glass clear mason jar and give her a good cleaning.
- Cut a hole in the box.
- Fill her up to the top with cold, delicious Bull Mountain water.
- We're gonna add 4 (FOUR) Ginger Chair Fire tea bags made by the lovely folks at Stash.
- Grab you a lime and zest it in the water, then cut in half and squeeze the juice in there. Discard the rest.
- Go into your garden beds and pluck out some fresh mint. Or buy some at the store. Lightly beat the mint leaves by playfully squeezing and jerking them, releasing fragrant oils and toss them into the drink. :oldunsure:
- Secure the lid, go outside and find a nice sunny spot, preferably on some concrete or cement, but not necessary and let the helium gods do the work for you.
- 3 hours later, pull out the tea bags, strain out the mint, pour over some ice and just quench your thirst. You earned it.


This has been General Malaise for frugal refreshment making.
 
My grandmother would also add 2 cups of sugar per pitcher

2 cups? Jeez!

Yeah, you can add some sweet - maybe some honey? I don't really use sugar in drinks (other than the ones that come in beer/wine) but yeah....TWO CUPS????
 
Why is it considered better than regular tea brewed with boiling water?

The preference between Sun tea and tea brewed with boiling water for iced tea comes down to taste and convenience rather than one being universally "better" than the other. Here are some considerations for each method:

Sun Tea​

Pros:

  • Milder Flavor: Sun tea often has a smoother, less bitter taste compared to tea brewed with boiling water.
  • Energy Efficient: It uses the heat of the sun, so it's more environmentally friendly and doesn't require electricity or gas.
  • Convenient: You can make a large batch at once and let it steep without needing to monitor it closely.
Cons:

  • Safety Concerns: Sun tea is typically brewed at a lower temperature (around 130°F or 54°C), which isn't hot enough to kill bacteria that might be present in the water or on the tea leaves. This can potentially lead to bacterial growth.
  • Variable Results: The flavor can vary depending on the strength of the sun and the duration of steeping.

Tea Brewed with Boiling Water​

Pros:

  • Consistent Flavor: Boiling water extracts more flavors from the tea leaves, resulting in a stronger and more consistent taste.
  • Safety: The high temperature of boiling water (212°F or 100°C) kills bacteria, making it a safer option.
  • Quick: It’s a faster method compared to waiting for sun tea to brew.
Cons:

  • Energy Use: Requires the use of a stove or electric kettle, which uses energy.
  • Potential Bitterness: If over-brewed, the tea can become bitter.

Tips for Making Iced Tea​

  • Cold Brew: As an alternative, consider cold brewing tea by steeping it in cold water in the refrigerator for several hours (typically 8-12 hours). This method combines the mild flavor of Sun tea with the safety of cold temperatures.
  • Sweeteners and Additives: Regardless of the brewing method, you can add sweeteners, lemon, mint, or other flavors to enhance your iced tea.
Ultimately, the best method for you depends on your taste preferences and convenience. If you enjoy a mild, smooth tea and don't mind the brewing time, Sun tea can be delightful. If you prefer a more robust flavor and quicker preparation, brewing with boiling water might be your go-to method.
 
Why is it considered better than regular tea brewed with boiling water?

Why is using an oven to reheat pizza better than a microwave?

Hmmm? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?



I dunno, I'm sure it's the same. It's just a novelty I'm sure, but it reminds me of my mom so....that's probably why I do it. That and I need reasons to use up all the mint my wife planted around our yards. Stupid weed.
 
Cold Brew: As an alternative, consider cold brewing tea by steeping it in cold water in the refrigerator for several hours (typically 8-12 hours). This method combines the mild flavor of Sun tea with the safety of cold temperatures.

I just finished a box of cold brew tea bags which were quite a bit larger than regular bags. I don't know if the tea inside was cut differently. I used one of the large bags to make a quart-sized pitcher of tea. I experimented with cold, hot and tepid water to brew but I couldn't tell much of a difference.
 
Why is it considered better than regular tea brewed with boiling water?

Why is using an oven to reheat pizza better than a microwave?

Hmmm? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?



I dunno, I'm sure it's the same. It's just a novelty I'm sure, but it reminds me of my mom so....that's probably why I do it. That and I need reasons to use up all the mint my wife planted around our yards. Stupid weed.
You can take the boy out of Texas, but ...
 
My grandmother would also add 2 cups of sugar per pitcher

2 cups? Jeez!

Yeah, you can add some sweet - maybe some honey? I don't really use sugar in drinks (other than the ones that come in beer/wine) but yeah....TWO CUPS????
Lol yep. I would always try to make some. We had that round sun teas brewer if you remember those. One day I go "grandma, I can't quite get the taste right, how much sugar do you use?".

When she said 2 cups I almost fell off my chair lol
 
Why is it considered better than regular tea brewed with boiling water?

Why is using an oven to reheat pizza better than a microwave?

Hmmm? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm?



I dunno, I'm sure it's the same. It's just a novelty I'm sure, but it reminds me of my mom so....that's probably why I do it. That and I need reasons to use up all the mint my wife planted around our yards. Stupid weed.
You can take the boy out of Texas, but ...

When I worked at the BBQ joint in Jackson, MS years and years ago, one of the jobs for the opening wait staff was making the sweet tea. Just a big Igloo round cooler, water, a giant thing of Lipton and two huge plastic cups full of sugar. Stirred around with a boat paddle I think. After I made my first batch, I never drank it again and still won't touch it (not that anybody in the PNW offers it).
 
Why is using an oven to reheat pizza better than a microwave?

Cast iron pan on the stove for the win on this one. Throw the lid on to help the top warm and the cheese melt, then take it off for the last couple of minutes.

Haven't tried the ice cube trick which I've seen all over the socials, but I think it would help with the melting of the cheese by creating a nice, moist, warm environment.
 
Why is using an oven to reheat pizza better than a microwave?

Cast iron pan on the stove for the win on this one. Throw the lid on to help the top warm and the cheese melt, then take it off for the last couple of minutes.

Haven't tried the ice cube trick which I've seen all over the socials, but I think it would help with the melting of the cheese by creating a nice, moist, warm environment.

 It moved. :bag:
 
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.“
 
Well, I was too lazy to do this last night so I did it today. It's been cloudy. I'm moving ahead, this will be an all day deal and I'm chasing the afternoon sun.

If I die of bilious diaheerehea after this, I want you to know I love all of you. Except one of you.
 
I'm drinking a glass now in the backyard. It is so dang delicious. If this is what authors the end of life on account of bacteria and unsafe food handling I'd dare say it was worth it.
 

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