by M. L. Kiser

Created on: April 09, 2010

 Do you love a fruity tasting tea that is rich in color, smooth and downright delicious?  Then, Sun Tea is for you.

The greatest thing about Sun Tea is that you can make it on any day where there is sun, in a jug just by setting a jug of water out and adding teabags of your choice.  There’s no microwaving or electricity involved because the sun does its job and brews the tea for you.  It’s that simple.

Steeping your tea in the 130 degree + heat of the sun’s rays will literally heat extract the tea from the bags or leaves.  You will also get great nutrients from the sun’s rays, like vitamin “A”, “C” and “D”, among others.

There’s been a lot of hype recently regarding the bacteria in Sun Tea, but I’ve drunk it since I was a kid and have never had a problem, nor do I know of anyone who has, as a result.  In fact, I prefer it to tea made in the microwave or on the stove. 

We all need some bacteria to fight off other bacteria and diseases.  Considering that you have no idea of what sort of bacteria is in your store-bought teabags, it is very possible to get some bad bacteria.  If you grow your own teas or buy from a dealer whom you know, you are naturally going to get healthier dried teas.  You are more likely to get sick from being around a hospital or a doctors’ office than you are from drinking Sun Tea.  If you keep your tea jar squeaky clean you should have no problems.  Also, black tea has caffeine that can actually resist some forms of bacteria.

You can buy Sun Tea jars in most stores in 1 or 2 gallon sizes, with lids and handles or you can use an old pickle jar that you can get from restaurants like, the “Cracker Barrel”, which have pickles in bulk.  You just have to ask for it.  Your Sun Tea brewing jar should be a glass one.

Sun Tea is traditionally made with either, black or orange teas like oolong or pekoe, but you can use any tea of your choosing, including herb or fruit teas.  (Black cherry and raspberry tea are exceptionally great tasting this way). 

If you are using pre-purchased tea bags, you will need to use 5 or 6 of the small bags to a gallon of water.  If you’re using the large, family size, 2 of these will make a good rich and fruity tea.

If you are using the dried teas or leaves, you will need to make your own teabags.  You can buy tea bag papers at

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