Can brewed iced tea be stored at room temperature?
Dry tea leaves contain low levels of bacteria, yeast and mold (like most plant- derived food). Never hold brewed tea at room temperature for more than 12 hours. Brew tea in a clean and sanitized urn. Iced tea should be brewed at 195 degrees or higher for three to five minutes. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Sun tea is not recommended. The practice of making “sun tea” by steeping the bags in a container of water in the sun may be a higher risk than brewing tea at high temperatures because it provides an environment where bacteria are more likely to survive and multiply. Also, store tea bags or loose tea in a dark, cool and dry place away from strong odors and moisture. Do not store tea bags in the refrigerator. Do not store tea in containers above the stove, because it is too humid and warm. You can store tea bags in a freezer container, within the freezer. An easy way to brew iced tea is in the refrigerator. Place four or five tea bags in 1 quart of cold water in a clean
