How long does sun tea last?
Sun tea, also known as solar tea, is brewed by leaving tea bags or loose leaf tea in a large jar or container sitting in the sun for a few hours. Many people enjoy its light, refreshing flavor, but you may be wondering whether it can be stored for later or if it needs to be consumed immediately. Here’s what you need to know about how long does sun tea last.
Refrigerate Sun Tea Immediately
Brewing tea in the sun gives the water a natural heat, so it’s important to refrigerate the sun tea immediately to prevent bacteria from growing. If the tea has already been sitting unrefrigerated in the sun for more than two hours, it should not be consumed and should be thrown away. Properly refrigerated sun tea can stay good for 1-2 days.
How to Store Sun Tea
If you plan to store the sun tea for later, it’s best to pour it into smaller containers and refrigerate it immediately. As long as it is properly sealed and refrigerated, it can stay good for up to 4-5 days.
Tips for Storing Sun Tea
Here are a few tips for making and storing the best sun tea:
- Brewing: Use 3-4 tea bags for every 1 liter of water, and use filtered or bottled water for optimal flavor.
- Sun Exposure: Place the tea jar in direct sunlight and let it steep for 1-3 hours. If the weather is too hot, you may need to bring the jar indoors after 1-1.5 hours.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate the tea right away to avoid bacteria growth.
- Storage: Re-seal the tea jar or pour it into smaller, airtight containers. Refrigerate immediately and use within 4-5 days.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your sun tea while it’s still fresh and savor its light flavor.
