Good morning, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: June, 2022: National Iced Tea Month. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t survive without at least one glass of Sweet Tea a day. Which began as a child when my grandparents always had a picture of Iced Tea in the Ice Box and anyone visiting knew they could get a glass anytime of day or night. Just like in my home. Are you the same way?
National Iced Tea Month
I am so excited to let you know America observes National Iced Tea Month throughout the month of June. We all know Iced tea is an easy-to-make, beverage that has been a part of American homes for nearly two Centuries. Iced Tea is not just an excellent thirst quencher but also quite nutritious. Iced Tea is often flavored with Lemons, Oranges, and Herbs, which keeps you energized throughout the day. Since Iced Tea is low in caffeine, this beverage can be enjoyed by children. Iced tea can be brewed at home, purchased in cans, or made instantly from an Iced Tea mix. Iced tea can also be frozen and enjoyed as Iced Tea Popsicles.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH
Iced Tea has been around for a long time now. Iced Tea became a household name only after 1904 during the St. Louis World’s Fair that Richard Blechynden, director of the East India Pavilion, realized that serving Hot Tea in the Missouri heat was probably not the best way to greet visitors. To increase consumption, Blechynden started serving chilled Tea through a series of lead pipes dunked in ice. From a scalding hot beverage, Tea instantly became a cool, refreshing drink, which the fairgoers drank buckets of. As the beverage became a hit, more and more American homes turned to Iced Tea to cool off after a hot day.
Since the 19th-Century general stores would mostly sell Tea from China or Japan, the earliest Iced Tea recipes recommended using Green Tea. As Green Tea became scarce after World War II, America started importing Black Tea from India, replacing Green Tea in the recipe. Today, Iced Tea is almost always made with Black Tea.
If you are someone who prefers preparing Iced Tea using instant mixes or tea bags, then you will be surprised to know that Black Tea in these recipes comes from Argentina. The Tea in Argentina is mechanically harvested and exported to America to fulfill our Iced Tea needs. Iced Tea is best enjoyed with breakfast or lunch. Iced Tea can be brewed with black, green, white, and Oolong Tea.
NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH ACTIVITIES
- Instead of making your Iced Tea the way you always do, why not try a new recipe for National Iced Tea Month? Switch up the Tea Leaves or try a different kind of sweetener!
- We are all used to drinking Iced Tea after a long, hot day but have you considered trying a delicious Iced Tea Popsicle? Freeze Iced Iea in a Popsicle mold and enjoy the treat whenever you need to cool off.
- The easiest way to celebrate National Iced Tea month is by pouring yourself a glass of your favorite Iced Tea. Try as many new flavors of Iced Tea as you can this month!
5 FACTS ABOUT TEA
- Tea is the most popular drink on the planet, second only to Water.
- Tea comes in many varieties and it’s widely believed that there are as many as 1,500 varieties of Yea available in the market.
- Tea is made with Salt. Tibetans drink Butter Tea, which is made using Black Tea, Yak Butter, and Salt.
- Reading Tea Leaves is a common practice in many cultures. The art of reading Tea Leaves is called Tasseography.
- Tea is a natural source of fluoride, which keeps our teeth and gums healthy and strong.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH
- It’s so difficult to find a drink that’s both delicious and nutritious. Iced Tea is both. Iced Tea is perfect for anyone who’s watching their weight.
- Iced Tea is loved by children and adults alike. National Iced Tea Month is the perfect way to honor everyone’s favorite beverage.
- Iced Tea has been a part of American cuisine for nearly two hundred years. June celebrates a recipe that is as American as it gets!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
