Receta Clean Eating Sweet Tea
I have to admit that this California native has never been to the south. And while I’ve had a bit of sweetener in my tea on occasion, I’ve never had that real, authentic sweet tea that seems to be a staple in that part of the country.
Apparently, the difference between southern tea and west coast tea is all about WHEN you add the sugar as well as how much sugar you use. With true sweet tea, you add a lot of sugar (up to 2 cups sugar per gallon of tea by some accounts!!) while the tea is hot and brewing. With west coast tea, you typically add just a little sugar after cooling.
Now according to some of my readers, in order for this to truly be authentic, it absolutely MUST be served on a front porch. It wasn’t made clear to me whether or not I needed a rocking chair, but since I don’t have one, I had to make do with sitting on the stairs of my front porch. I think I got roughly the same effect.
TEA POSSIBILITIES:
Lipton
Luzianne
Tetley
Orange Pekoe (This can be hard to find. If you want to use it, you may have to order from amazon.)
P.S. – I have to admit that this recipe was FAR to sweet for my west coast taste buds. I had to add water. So if you find this is too sweet for you as well, simply add more water and leave the tea bags in a little longer as needed.
And as I said, there are many ways to make sweet tea. So if this doesn’t seem right to you, please be kind to this California girl. But I sure would love to know how you make it! Leave me a comment and share!
P.S.S. – I was told that the baking soda gives the tea a “smoother” flavor. I suppose it could depend on the tea used, but I added it. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer. You can’t taste it.
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Clean Eating Sweet Tea
(Makes 7 cups)
Ingredients:
- 3 bags organic orange pekoe tea
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup sucanat (or to taste) + 3 additional cups hot water
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Bring 3 cups of water to boil, remove from heat and stir in the sucanat.
Bring 4 cups of water to boil, remove from heat, quickly stir in the sugar water and add your tea bags.
Stir in baking soda.
Let sit for 10-15 minutes, or until the tea reaches your desired strength.
Allow to cool to room temperature before putting the tea over ice or in the fridge.
Please Note: Nutritional information will depend on tea used as well as amounts used to taste.