Black Tea Question?

Question

At big chain restaurants, like iHop or TGI Fridays, when I see "iced tea" or "raspberry iced tea" on the menu, is that usually black tea? What type of black tea? darjeeling, etc.?

Answer 1

it's probably bulk iced tea. I'd guess Lipton's, Luzianne, or one of those popular chain brands. The flavored iced teas are just black tea with whatever flavoring. I'd also guess that they use tea bags, maybe the jumbo kind.

note: orange pekoe and pekoe black tea has nothing to do with orange flavor or color. Pekoe means a certain cut of tea leaf, and it's a standard used in teas from India (not China)

Answer 2

The last two restaurants that I've worked at used Padarise brand Orange Pekoe. It's usuayyy rather cheap black tea of some sort!

Answer 3

Most iced tea is made with black tea. If it's made with another kind of tea (like green tea), the menu will indicate this. It's probably what most grocery stores sell as iced tea bags: orange pekoe, or an orange pekoe blend.

Answer 4

I think most of the chain restaurants use an orange pekoe like Lipton or Tetley tea. There's no way they use darjeeling with its cost - but I sure do enjoy it at home whether hot or iced!