Brewing and drinking sun tea has been a tradition across generations. Many perceive using the sun’s rays to steep tea and/or herbs creates a unique taste sensation that cannot be replicated through other brewing methods.
Through the years, the recipe for making this sun-brewed tea has included the following steps:
Yet, this method of brewing may carry some health risks, based on research. According to tea expert Jon Stout. chairman of Golden Moon Tea, bacteria present in the water used to make the tea, called alcaligenes viscolactis, can grow during the time the glass vessel sits in the sun.
Interestingly, the sun’s rays are hot enough to make tea, yet not hot enough to kill the bacteria. If tea containing the bacteria is consumed, it has the potential to cause abdominal infections and illness.
Mr. Stout explains that scientists who studied alcaligenes viscolactis bacteria in the tea found that caffeine naturally found in some varieties can help stop bacteria from growing – but only for two hours. Yet, for herbal and decaffeinated blends, the environment is ideal for bacteria to multiply.
How to Help Make Your Tea Safe to Drink
Here are some ways you can make your tea free from most bacteria and safer to drink.