Is Consuming Sun-Infused Tea Harmless?
Homemade Sun Tea: A Traditional Southern Favorite or a Potential Health Risk?
Growing up in the South, a summertime tradition might have been brewing sun tea - tea steeped in the sun instead of on the stove. But let's face it, the nostalgic charm of this laid-back method has been tainted with warnings about its potential dangers. With countless sun tea recipes popping up online, we wondered, is this classic summer drink safe to gulp down?
So, we went straight to the horse's mouth – the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – for the absolute truth. And unfortunately for sun tea lovers, your childhood memories may take a hit.
Why Sun Tea Might Not Be Safe for Consumption
While the FDA doesn't have specific sun tea regulations, it advises against brewing tea this way due to the risk of bacterial growth. A spokesperson from the FDA explains, "The tea may not reach temperatures high enough to kill harmful bacteria, and the water temperature during sun tea brewing typically is within the 'danger zone' where bacteria can thrive, allowing growth of bacteria that can cause illness."
What Makes Sun Tea Susceptible to Bacterial Growth?
Since dried tea products are minimally processed, they might contain harmful microorganisms that require temperature control during brewing for safety. The sun may heat the water enough to brew tea, but the water doesn't reach a simmer or boiling point, which could kill harmful bacteria. Thus, it's wise to follow the brewing instructions on tea packaging, which will provide a good indication of how long and at what temperature tea should be brewed.
Perfectly Brewed Sweet Tea: A Home-Brewed Delight
To make foolproof sweet tea at home, follow our expert guide. Even if you think you've mastered the art of brewing sun tea, there's always room to learn new tips and tricks for crafting the very best iced sweet tea. Here's to savory, safe summer sips!
Fun Fact: According to the FDA, efficient time and temperature controls during brewing help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination. So, when brewing sun tea or any other tea, remember to maintain proper sanitation and store the tea safely to avoid health issues.
- The kitchen assistant might want to reconsider brewing sun tea due to potential health risks, as advised by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), especially since sun tea doesn't reach high enough temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.
- Southern Living readers should be aware that sun tea, a traditional Southern favorite, may not be safe to drink, as bacterial growth is a risk during the sun tea brewing process, a concern emphasized by the FDA.
- When brewing tea, it's crucial to adhere to the instructions on the tea packaging, such as Luzianne, to ensure proper time and temperature controls and reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, as instructed by the FDA.
- Tea connoisseurs and kitchen assistants alike should take heed of food and recipe guidelines, especially when it comes to brewing teas like sun tea, to ensure they're crafting safe and hygienic summer drinks, according to the FDA's warnings.
