The Coolest tea - Iced tea

Now that we've blazed through a number of hot subjects with tea, let's cool off. This lesson will cover one of the coldest aspects of Camellia: iced tea.

The origin of Iced tea, if not entirely accurate, is at least refreshing. The story goes like this: By 1904, America stabilized her government, strengthened her economy, and expanded her borders and interests. The United States was now ready for the world to see her development at the St. Louis World's Fair.

Trade exhibitors from around the world brought their products to America's first World's Fair. One such merchant was Richard Blechynden, an English tea plantation owner. Originally, he had planned to give away free samples of his tea (hot tea) to attendees. But when a heat wave hit, no one was interested. Parched from the temperature, visitors would pass his booth in search of a cooler refreshment. To save his investment of time and travel, he dumped a load of ice into the brewed tea and served the first iced tea... It was (along with the Egyptian fan dancer) the hit of the Fair.

However, tea historians must acknowledge the fact that tea was often enjoyed at cooler temperatures in the South long before that. For similar (heat) reasons, tea was allowed to cool before serving (with ice if possible-but this was rare at the time due to lack of refrigeration technology). This was usually served with sugar (to taste), called Sweet Tea. Sweet tea, as our Southern constituents will attest, is still enjoyed to this day.

Unfortunately, contemporary Iced Tea has received a bum rap in the US. While 90% of tea's consumption in the US is in the form of Iced Tea, companies like Arizona and Nestea, who offer syrupy, over-flavored beverages that bare little semblance to tea, are the most prevalent representations.

However, new ideas in iced tea are on the horizon. Instead of using loads of sugar and artificial flavor, this new tea movement retraces its steps to simple, pure, delicious tea. Thanks to the abundant availability of quality tea and good water, you can make a refreshing, healthy Iced Tea... an Iced Tea worthy to be called Tea.

Although the popular standard for Iced teas is usually black teas (typically Ceylon or its cheap, vaguely-labeled "China tea" cousin), any tea can be "iced." Next time you thirst for a frosty glass of tea, reach for something different. Great iced teas can be made from Blacks, Oolongs, Greens and Whites.

Yet another idea for iced tea is not actually an iced tea at all, rather an Iced Tisane (or herbal beverage). Building upon the renewed popularity iced tea was recently enjoyed, many companies are shying away from the seemingly flooded iced black tea market, turning instead to the lesser caffeinated, but equally delicious, herbals. New beverages, such as Iced Red (Rooibos) "tea," Iced Ginger "tea" and Iced Mint "tea," provide a perfect alternative for the caffeine-sensitive (or those who are just trying to get some sleep).

It is very easy to make Iced tea, and made from real leaves, it tastes great. To make a cup, simply double the amount of tea leaves (usually making it two teaspoons per cup of water), and steep as usual (five minutes in most cases). Once tea is ready, dilute with an equal amount of cold water or ice. Garnish with mint or lemon, and enjoy its great taste.

Any way you brew it, the most important thing to remember when making iced tea is quality. These ideas are to be utilized with this kept in mind: for the best iced tea, you'll need the best tea.

Stay cool and drink deep.

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