How long do you let sun tea sit in the sun ?

Question

and how many bags do you need ?

Answer 1

Dear Suzie,

Use the amount of bags recommended for the hot tea, given the amount you need to make. Let it sit in the sun until it darkens to the point where you usually like your tea - stir / shake it now and again to achieve uniformity of color.

-j.

Answer 2

You don't ! Putting a jar of water and tea bags in the sun will get the water hot, up to about 130° F, but not nearly hot enough to kill any bacteria in the water or the tea itself (that happens at around 195° F). Apparently the caffeine in black tea may help to stave off bacteria for a little while, but it isn't a guarantee. Some suggestions for you sun tea brewing daredevils include: start with a scrubbed, bleached vessel for brewing; don't leave the tea in the sun for more than four hours; don't make more than you can use in a day; refrigerate it immediately; and toss it if it gets "thick or syrupy." Also, don't use any excessively cheery jars that would make getting sick all the more ironic.

Answer 3

I used to like sun tea. We used the amount of tea bags needed based on the directions. I let sit it sit in the sun until the proper color was reached. About 2-3 hours.

I later decided that sun tea was "over-steeped" at too low of a temperature. I use the coffee pot now. And I use teas from here:

http://www.psteas.com/

Answer 4

Suzie - I have learned that 'sun tea' is not all that it is "bagged" up to be. Unfortunately, like many of the things we used to enjoy in our society that didn't harm us with bacteria - this is another one to add to the list. The National Tea Association recommend the following when making tea:

Brew tea bags at 195 degrees F for three to five minutes.
Brew only enough tea that can be consumed within a few hours.
Never maintain brewed tea for more than eight hours at room temperature. Discard any unused tea after eight hours.
Wash, rinse, and sanitize tea-making equipment regularly.
Instead of making "sun tea," brew tea overnight in the refrigerator as you would in the sun.
Store tea bags in a dark, cool, and dry place away from strong odors and moisture. Do not store in the refrigerator. So, you see, they don't even recommend making tea in the "sun".

Answer 5

You may have to leave your tea in the sun for a few hours, depending on how strong you want it, how much you're making and how warm the sun is that day. Keep an eye on your jug as you may need to move it as the sun moves during the day.

Add either tea bags, or loose tea. The amount depends on your preferable taste.

Answer 6

I like it dark and strong, so I usually make Sun Tea by using 4-6 giant Tetly tea bags and place it in a gallon jug w/ 4/5 of the way filled up with water. I leave it for 4-6 hours and then I put it in the fridge. I usually make a glass right away by adding ice and lemon or lime to my glass and then adding the tea (I am an abnormal Southerner by drinking my tea sans sugar.). I usually do this in the middle of summer and since I live in South Georgia it gets mighty hot in my kitchen window.

Answer 7

I usually let it sit in the sun at least two days, longer if there has been a cloudy spell. As for how many bags are needed, I go with three.

Answer 8

I usually put about 12 bags in a glass gallon jar and set it outside first thing in the morning and let it sit all day. If at the end of the day (8pm) it still doesn't seem strong enough for me I let it sit overnight still outside and get it in the morning. Here is a hint for you......If you have a place to put it without worrying about ants you can add your sugar when you add the tea bags.

Answer 9

2 - 3 hours in a glass jar or jug should do the trick, if it sits directly in the sun. If you use the large bags, then you need only 3, but if you use the small ones, I would start with six, depending on your taste.

Answer 10

Get yourself a large size jar (the kind that pickles comes in). Fill it with water and four family size tea bags. Seal it and place it in an area where the sun will hit it for a week.

Answer 11

Using the natural rays of the sun to make tea is fun and popular in the summer. However, using such a method to make tea is highly discouraged. Sun tea is the perfect medium for bacteria to grow.