Yes, you can make sun tea inside, although it might be more accurately called "room temperature tea" in that case. The sun isn't strictly necessary.
While traditional sun tea relies on solar energy to heat the water and steep the tea, the same process can occur indoors using room temperature water. Here's how:
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The Process: Simply combine tea bags or loose-leaf tea with water in a clear container and let it steep for a longer period than you would if using hot water.
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Location: Placing the container in a windowsill or near a sunny spot inside can help, but the warmth is supplemental. Even without direct sunlight, the tea will still steep.
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Time: The steeping time will depend on the type of tea and your desired strength. Start with several hours (4-8) and taste-test periodically. You may need longer than you would for traditionally made sun tea.
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Alternatives: You can also make "fridge tea" by using the same method but steeping the tea in the refrigerator. This will take even longer, but it's a safer option in terms of bacteria growth.
Why it works without direct sunlight:
The key to making sun tea (or room temperature tea) is time. Given enough time, even cool or room temperature water will extract the flavor and properties from the tea leaves. The sun simply speeds up the process.
Safety Considerations:
When making sun tea, regardless of location, it's crucial to be mindful of bacterial growth. Bacteria thrives in lukewarm temperatures.
- Cleanliness: Use a very clean container.
- Refrigeration: After steeping, refrigerate the tea immediately.
- Discard Time: Discard any sun tea that has been unrefrigerated for more than a few hours. Some sources recommend discarding after 24 hours, even if refrigerated, to be safe.
Essentially, while the name "sun tea" implies sunlight, the crucial component is the steeping process, which can be achieved indoors, albeit potentially taking longer and requiring extra attention to safety.
