Iced Tea: A Refreshing Summer Beverage

Iced tea is a beloved beverage that is commonly enjoyed during the hot summer months. Its refreshing coolness provides the perfect refreshment on a sweltering day. In this article, we will explore the history of iced tea, the various varieties available, as well as health benefits and tips for making the perfect iced tea at home.

The Origins of Iced Tea

Iced tea has its roots in the late 1880s in the United States. It is said that Richard Blechynden, a tea planter in South Carolina, accidentally left a full vessel of hot tea out overnight. Upon discovering it the next day, he added ice to dilute the overly steeped tea and found that he enjoyed the resulting drink. Word began to spread of this chilled version of tea and its popularity grew, especially in the hot climate of the American South.

By the late 19th century, iced tea had become a mainstay in restaurants and diners in the southern U.S. states. Some attribute the truly mainstream popularity of iced tea to Richard Blechynden’s grandson, Thomas Sullivan “Sullivan” Blechynden. He began marketing and selling ready-to-drink iced tea regionally in the early 20th century. By the 1950s, iced tea had become a staple across America, enjoyed not just in the South but nationwide.

Varieties of Iced Tea

Black Tea
Black tea is the most common variety used for iced tea. It has a robust flavor that stands up well to being chilled. English Breakfast, Assam, and Ceylon black teas all make excellent iced teas.

Green Tea
Green tea has many health benefits and also tastes refreshing when chilled. Look for green tea varieties labeled as sencha or gyokuro for the best flavor in iced tea.

Oolong Tea
Oolong teas have fruity, floral notes that shine through even when cold. Ti Kuan Yin oolong makes a uniquely tasty iced tea.

Herbal Tea
Flavorful herbal teas like mint, lemon ginger, and berry blends can be enjoyed cold as well. They contain no caffeine.

Flavored Black Tea

Many commercial iced teas are made with black tea that has been enhanced with fruit extracts for additional flavor. Popular flavors include peach, raspberry, and lemon.

Iced tea is a refreshing summer drink that is enjoyed worldwide. Its origins can be traced back to the American South in the late 19th century. Today there are many varieties and ways to craft the perfect chilled tea beverage to complement hot summer days. Whether homemade or store-bought, iced tea continues to quench thirsts for millions as a favored refreshment.

Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it