Iced Tea: A Refreshing Summer Drink - Origins, Types, Health Benefits, and Preparation Techniques
Iced Tea: A Refreshing Summer Drink
Iced tea is one of the most popular drinks consumed across the world in summers. Its refreshing flavor and ability to quench thirst makes it a favorite among people. In this article, we deep dive into the history, types, health benefits and preparation of this summer staple.
Origins and History of Iced Tea
While tea drinking has been prevalent in Asian countries for centuries, the origins of iced tea can be traced back to late 19th century United States. According to historical accounts, it was firstly prepared in 1904 at Richard Blechynden's tea planting estate in British-controlled Assam, India. He had excess tea leaves at the end of summer and did not want to let them go waste. So he had the idea of brewing the tea strong and allowing it to cool before serving over ice. This proved to be very refreshing for him and his staff in the hot and humid conditions.
Later in 1904, a stop at a railroad station in Georgia led to the widespread popularity of iced tea in America. The story goes that traveling businessman Richard Blechynden was served iced tea at a train station restaurant in Blenheim, Georgia. He was so impressed by it that he started mass producing and marketing it. Soon enough, it became a very popular summer drink across the southern United States and then the rest of America.
Types and Varieties of Iced Tea
With time, many varieties and types of iced tea were developed based on the type of tea used, additional flavors or ingredients blended in. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
- Black Iced Tea: Made from brewing black tea leaves which are then cooled and served over ice. It has a robust flavor profile.
- Green Iced Tea: Using green tea leaves gives it a lighter and more delicate flavor than black tea. It has fewer tannins too.
- White Iced Tea: A sweet and lightly flavored variety made by blending white tea with flavors like peach or mango.
- Herbal Iced Tea: Prepared by steeping herbals like mint, lemon grass or hibiscus flowering giving unique tastes. Caffeine-free too.
- Flavored Iced Tea: Sweets like peach, berry, lemon or spice flavors are blended into the brewed tea for an extra dimension of taste.
- Cold Brew Iced Tea: Involves steeping tea leaves in cold water for 12-24 hours to yield a less acidic but intense flavor tea that can be diluted and served over ice.
Health Benefits of Iced Tea
With numerous antioxidant compounds present in different types of tea leaves, drinking iced tea can enhance health in the following ways:
- Rich in Flavonoids: Black, green and herbal teas are loaded with flavonoids like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that act as anti-inflammatory and may reduce risk of heart disease and cancer.
- Aids Weight Management: The caffeine content of brewed tea when diluted and consumed cold, curbs appetite for shorter term. The liquids also keep long-term metabolism raised.
- Moisturizes from Within: The polyphenols found in green tea have been shown to have moisturizing effects on skin from the inside. It leaves you feeling hydrated.
- Boosts Mental Focus: Caffeine in moderate levels delivers mental energy and alertness to get through the day. It may also reduce risk of neurological decline later in life.
How to Prepare the Perfect Glass of Iced Tea
While iced tea is readily available commercially, nothing beats the freshness and flavors of self-brewed tea. Here are the basic steps:
- Bring water to a boil in a teapot or heat-resistant jug. Remove from heat.
- Add 2-3 tea bags of your favorite black, green, herbal blend or 1-2 tbsp loose tea leaves per 2 cups water.
- Steep covered for 5-10 minutes to extract optimum flavors depending on tea type.
- Remove tea bags/leaves, add sweetener and lemon slices to taste while tea is still hot. Some also add milk.
- Allow the tea to cool completely, then pour over ice cubes in a glass. Add a lemon slice for garnish.
- For extra bold flavor, refrigerate overnight before serving to allow flavors to further mingle.
Iced tea has emerged as one of the most refreshing ways to drink tea in warm climates around the world. Its availability in multiple flavors and varieties makes it enjoyable for people of all tastes. With potential health benefits too, it serves as the perfect companion beverage on hot summer afternoons.
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