Wrinkles

Why is Sun Tea bad for you?

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.

Is sun tea good or bad for you?

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.

Why should you not drink 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. … We know that every summer people brew and drink gallons of sun tea and do not get sick.

Is sun tea toxic?

And technically, yes, this method is not strictly safe. Our reading shows that the 130°F or so that the water reaches is an ideal temperature for harboring (and growing) the bacteria commonly found in tap water. Without a boiling session to kill off this bacteria, there is the chance that they will grow in the sun tea.

Is sun tea full of bacteria?

The main bacteria discovered in sun tea is called Alcaligenes viscolactis, a microbe commonly found in water. Research has discovered that the caffeine found in black tea can help prevent the bacteria from growing, but for only a short time.

Why is Sun tea so good?

The story is that the heat of the sun makes tea extraction faster, giving you ready-to-drink tea within a couple hours without the need to heat up water indoors. Some folks also say that the flavor is different because of the lower temperature extraction.

How long should you brew sun tea?

Place outside where the sunlight can strike the container for about 3 to 5 hours. Move the container if necessary to keep it in the sun. When the tea has reached its desired strength, remove from sun and put it in the refrigerator.

How long should sun tea steep?

Place in sun: Place outside where the sunlight can strike the container for about 3 to 5 hours. Move the container if necessary to keep it in the sun. When the tea has reached its desired strength, remove from sun and put it in the refrigerator.