What is the recognized sunless alternative for achieving a low-temperature extraction like sun tea?
Cold brewing, involving steeping in cold water in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours.
The primary alternative recommended for achieving the desirable smooth, low-temperature extraction profile associated with sun tea, but with guaranteed safety, is cold brewing. This method involves placing the tea in cold water and keeping the container refrigerated for an extended period, typically ranging from 8 to 12 hours or even longer. By utilizing refrigeration, cold brewing keeps the brewing temperature consistently below the $40^ ext{o} ext{F}$ lower limit of the bacterial danger zone, entirely bypassing the risk of pathogen multiplication that plagues the sun tea method. This offers the desired low-temperature extraction, but under controlled and safe chilled conditions, prioritizing reliability over the spontaneity of outdoor steeping.
