Sun Tea

This Summer Solstice we be brewing some foraged teas using the power of the sun. This is such a simple activity and the only equipment you need is a glass jug or large glass jar.

(Dragonflies - For this reason you won’t find anything in your activity packs for this, but there is a bonus packet of sunflower seeds and a couple of plant pots. Plant your sunflowers and let us know how tall they grow!)

For safety reasons it is important to use a sterilised glass container to brew your tea in. You should fill this with filtered or spring water along with your fresh ingredients. It should be left in the sun for no more than 3-4 hours and then chilled in the fridge before drinking. It should not be kept for longer than 24 hours.

This method of brewing tea originates from the Southern States of American and is usual made with black tea. The long slow brewing gives for a more subtle taste. We really like the addition of foraged ingredients though and our favourite teas are Mint and Lemon and Red Clover. Maybe you could come up with some of your own wild flavour combinations!

We packed our jug with mint from the garden and slices of lemon. This made a refreshing tea that didn’t need sweetening.

Red Clover makes a delicious iced tea and can be sweetened with a little honey.