June is National Iced Tea Month, so to have you all set, we'll be popping several iced tea recipes up on the blog this month and next. You'll definitely be ready for cool sipping in warm weather!
Making iced tea is SO easy with the Bodum Iced Tea Jug, available from your local Steeped Tea Consultant.
The pitcher has a built-in infuser for steeping your favourite loose teas. Simply place 2 perfect pot spoons of tea in the infuser, slide the infuser into the jug, and add hot water (this acrylic is designed to handle hot temperatures, so no concerns with BPAs). Steep to desired strength - try 5 minutes with a black tea and more with herbals. Remove the infuser, add the sweetener of you choice if desired, and chill your tea. When you are done steeping, why not try adding fresh herbs like mint or lavender, or fresh citrus slices? It's really neat because it holds these items in place and keeps them out of your drink while still extracting flavor from them. The slender shape of the jug slides into the refrigerator without being bulky.
It comes in two sizes (50 oz. and 102 oz.) so you can take your pick. If you want to retain the health benefits of your tea, it's best to drink the iced tea within about 2-3 days. After that, many of the antioxidants have disappeared.
When making iced tea is THIS EASY, there's no reason to buy those cans of powdered mix, filled with chemicals and sweeteners, or bottles of ready-to-drink concoctions, which are mostly high-fructose corn syrup. Save your money. A pitcher of iced tea made the way we described here will cost you less than a dollar to make. You control the sweetness, so you control your family's sugar intake, and you always have something on hand to offer visitors!
And, this year, Steeped introduced a glass iced tea pitcher with built-in infuser, so if you prefer something with a little bit more elegance, it works the very same way. Making iced tea in it is just as easy as with the acrylic jug. The pitcher holds 32 oz of iced tea. The plastic infuser holds the loose leaf tea for brewing and then can be removed.
Now that you've got a great pitcher for your iced tea, stay tuned for some great iced tea recipes to inspire you!
