Making Iced Tea from Loose Leaf

[tlazaroff]

So I made my first iced tea out of loose leaf today. I used the Love Child tea blend that the hippie made ( http://www.adagio.com/diggnation/blend.html?blend=493&SID=7f0186a6891bf7d983e06ac40d897be1 ) and it turned out alright, though I did have to add about 3 tbsp of sugar to to pitcher to make it palatable. I guess something changes in the tea from hot to cold? I don't need sweetener when I drink this blend hot. Here's how I did it. I brewed and steeped it hot, using double to amount of leaves I normally do when I drink it hot. Then I dumped it into a pitcher with ice and added the sugar to taste.

Can anyone recommend other loose leaf teas that make good iced tea?
Any tips for my next batch?

[tokenuser]

Try making it using the "Sun Tea (http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001287sun_tea.php)" method. Because Adiago teas are loose leaf, you will need to strain it into another container when you are done.

[isamurai]

Yes, sweeteners are needed most of the time for iced teas I've found

[mikec]

Sugar usually doesn't dissolve 100% in cold liquids, it can make the liquid cloudy. Since most agree that sweetness needs to be adjusted when the tea is cooled, adding sugar to warm tea isn't a good idea, you might not be able to judge how much to add. The solution, make a simple syrup. Here is an easy recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,,FOOD_9936_31207,00.html?rsrc=like

[xibalba]

I can't stand hot tea if it isn't sweeten some and can't stand cold if it sweeten.

I find cold taste better with nothing added.

[comhcinc]

Try making it using the "Sun Tea (http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001287sun_tea.php)" method. Because Adiago teas are loose leaf, you will need to strain it into another container when you are done.

sun tea is great. the only thing i would add is it doesn't need to be as hot as the recipe claims any time it's near 80 or above works. i use the gallon pickle jars to make mine.


Sugar usually doesn't dissolve 100% in cold liquids, it can make the liquid cloudy. Since most agree that sweetness needs to be adjusted when the tea is cooled, adding sugar to warm tea isn't a good idea, you might not be able to judge how much to add. The solution, make a simple syrup.

i always add suger when it is warm. i've been drinking sweet tea all my life i know how much sugar i like. for me it is about a cup and a half per gallon.

[tlazaroff]

Thanks for all your comments. I'll try the sun tea method next time I get the chance. Yes, I'll have to strain it, but thats not a problem.