which pitcher for iced tea?
I've always made iced tea in a plastic pitcher--but have since learned that plastic is only for cold beverages, as hot ones cause the plastic to leach into the liquid.
So I bought a recycled glass pitcher. It cracked as soon as I poured in the boiling water.
Today I went to the housewares store and asked the salesperson which pitcher to buy. She recommended a different glass pitcher, which I just unpacked. It has a label on it indicating that it is not for use with hot beverages.
Now what?!?!
TIA!
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for the past couple of years, i've been doing a cold-brewed iced tea in a glass jug. it's takes several days to brew in the fridge, but the results are worth it (of course, i live alone, might be tougher for a crowd).
it's 3 tablespoons loose black tea in 2 quarts of water in a glass jug, 4 days in the fridge. strain and serve. the result is so clear you can read a newspaper through it. during the summer i have two jugs brewing, as soon i i strain one , i refill it and put back in the fridge.
it also works for green tea: 1 tablespoon tea per quart of water, no more than 1 day in the fridge.
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Eric in NJ
May 26, 2010 06:28 AM
I have come up with this solution. I make my iced tea a gallon at a time. I have a gallon pitcher so what I do is brew the tea in 2 quarts of water, then add 2 quarts of cold water. This brings the temp down without dilluting. Then I just pour it in to the pitcher no problem.
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We always used hot water from the tap in our plastic pitchers to make tea. I don't see how it is any more dangerous than washing the pitchers in the same hot water or dishwasher.
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I use a cold-brew method. Put loose tea (or tea bags) into pitcher. Pour on cold water. Leave until brewed to your preference. For example, to make herbal peppermint tea, spoon appropriate amount into unbleached filter papers, staple closed, pour on water, leave in fridge overnight. Et voilà, perfect refreshing mind tea by morning.
Dead simple. Works every time & I've done this for at least 20 years.
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I don't know how a glass pitcher cannot be OK for hot bev's unless you don't preheat the pitcher, but anyways...
For iced tea, be sure to make the tea extra strength. Then, BEFORE you pour the tea into the pitcher, add a cup or two of plain cold water (even tap water). This will minimize the thermal shock. Or put a bunch of ice cubes in there, and then pour the hot tea over those.
I thought everyone did it this way, so your posting sort of surprised me.
I have a plain heavy glass pitcher, 20 years old from Woolworths. I've always used the plan of action above with no worries.
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alanbarnes
May 25, 2010 09:04 PM
Pour your boiling water into Pyrex. If you can't find a pitcher, use a Pyrex measuring cup and transfer the tea once it's had a chance to cool a bit.
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re: alanbarnes
coney with everything
May 26, 2010 05:30 AM
I was going to post something similar to alanbarnes. Make strong tea in a large Pyrex measuring cup, then after it's had time to steep it can go into the pitcher of your choice.
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c oliver
May 25, 2010 06:26 PM
I put a large and long metal spoon in before pouring in the boiling liquid. I think the rationale is that the worst of the heat is conducted up the metal and out. But if yours says no hot beverages,then I wouldn't use it for hot beverages. I also don't believe the plastic leaching stuff but I know that plenty of people do so i don't argue that point.
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This reminds me of being about 12 years old & making iced tea for my mom, returning from work on a blistering hot summer day. Unfortunately I destroyed her beautiful crystal pitcher in the process. That said, unless I am missing something, the solution is to let the tea cool in the pot and then pour into the glass pitcher (pouring over a metal spoon, per my grandmother?) Never understood that part, but haven't cracked a glass pitcher since.
