Read This Before Drinking Sun Tea

Tea is one of the most comforting things that exists in this world. Whether you've had a long day and feel the need to unwind with a hot cup of chamomile tea as you draw yourself a bath or prefer to sip iced tea to keep yourself going on a hot day, tea is a versatile drink that rarely disappoints. According to Live Smart Ohio, using the sun's rays to make sun tea is a really popular brewing method in the summer months. 

How does brewing sun tea work? Well, you can make sun tea by simply placing a clear container of water and tea bags in a sunny spot for a few hours and letting the concoction do its thing. According to The Kitchn, using this windowsill method to make sun tea an old brewing technique, but this doesn't mean it's necessarily safe, even if it does provide delicious and refreshing results. Here is why. 

Here's the catch. As per The Kitchn, the main problem with sun tea is that it can be a major breeding ground for bacteria. The outlet acknowledged that sun tea might feel nostalgic and much more old-school than modern brewing methods, but it isn't strictly safe, on account of the fact that (at temperatures around 130 degrees Fahrenheit) water is an ideal setting for growing bacteria commonly associated with tap water. As there is no boiling involved in the sun tea brewing process, it's possible that the bacteria will thrive in drinks made using this solar powered method. 

The best way to brew tea is to use water that's been heated to somewhere around 195 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Illinois Extension. To make iced tea, steep you tea bags for three to four minutes before removing them, pouring your tea into a pitcher filled with ice, and popping it in the fridge until you're ready to drink it. This method should ensure that you don't get accidentally sick while enjoying your fresh glass of homemade iced tea.