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Iced tea was invented in America in
1905. Like many great inventions, iced tea was created completely by accident.
It was a sweltering day during the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri, and an Englishman Richard Blechynden's tea concession was not doing well. Thinking quickly, Mr. Blechyden added ice and created a beverage that has since become an American favorite. Almost any tea you enjoy hot can be poured over ice for a refreshing change. Some teas, however, lend themselves to making a better glass of cold, clear, bright and flavorful iced tea. CLOUDING When refrigerated most iced teas tend to cloud. While this has no effect on taste it does make for a less attractive presentation. A clouded pitcher can be cleared by adding a little boiling water to it and stirring. Or try letting the tea cool to room temperature before putting it in the refrigerator. If clouding occurs immediately after brewing, try lowering the brewing tempurature of the water. Teas often cloud when the pH or chemical
balance in the glass is upset. If your chilled glass of iced tea clouds, try slicing up
some citrus fruit and add it to your glass. Lemons, limes and oranges are high in acid and
will help balance the pH levels.
Another option is to run two brewing cycles through the same leaves. Let cool before
placing in dispenser To make iced tea that is crystal clear, simply use the cold water method. Add 10 individual serving tea bags or a 1 ounce food service sized pillow pack per 1 gallon container of cold water. Allow the tea to steep for approximately 8 to 12 hours. The container can be left at room temperature or refrigerated during steeping. To create Sun Tea, simply place the container in a sunny spot and allow the warmth of the sun to gently assist in the steeping process. This will take approximately 6 to 8 hours. Serve over ice. STORAGE AND SERVING TIPS
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