Facts About TeaFrom Norma's Kitchen ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once removed from the box, tea bags are highly susceptible to odors and can become stale. To prevent this, store tea bags in an airtight (preferably metal) container in a cool, dry area. Stored this way, tea may be kept for up to 18 months. (What a nice gift idea for someone who enjoys tea...Joan bought me a metal tin that resembles an old historic building over ten years ago for Christmas. It is a treasure and my tea bags love it). Proper sweet tea must be sweetened when the tea is still warm so the sugar will dissolve. I make my tea unsweetened and let my guests make their choice. On these occasions, I serve my guests simple syrup to sweeten the chilled tea. To prepare a simple syrup, put 1-1/4 cups sugar and 1-1/2 cups water in a saucepan over low heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until all the sugar is dissolved. The syrup will be clear. Let syrup cool and then chill in covered container. Use for up to two weeks. Be good to yourself. Relax and enjoy a delightful cup or glass of tea. Back to Tea Time Back to Country Recipes Main Page |