Sun Tea

One of my favorite things about the warming spring into summer days is making sun tea. I try to have it on hand at all times, chilled and ready in the fridge for the chance guest. I love friends who knock on my door unannounced; to show them my love I share my tea. Typically my sun teas have hibiscus. It makes the tea a bright pink that is reminiscent of kool-aid and is ornamentally attractive in the mid-day sun, especially after a long day in the garden. The usual blend for me is a loose green tea or yerba mate and hibiscus sweetened with stevia leaf extract.

I am not the only one to find the color of hibiscus enchanting. The history and origin of hibiscus is surprisingly hard to ascertain probably because the beautiful, enchanting flower enjoys notoriety and cultivation in almost all corners of the globe. As far as I can deduce the plant is of Asiatic descent, though not China nor Egypt or Hawaii as one might assume. Regardless of where it hails, it has been widely researched that hibiscus tea ingested on a regular basis is as effective as medications in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure. It is also said to aid in weight loss and increase immunity (mostly due to the high proportions of vitamin C).

Stevia leaf too is of interest here: although used as a sweetener, it does not contain sugar compounds. This means that we can all enjoy it without guilt, without calories, and without spiking our blood sugar! Hallelujah! Watch out and don't use too much though, it has the tendency to taste like NutraSweet or the many array

of low to no-calorie sweeteners. Clearly it is beneficial for weight loss and diabetics but are there negative side effects? Apparently there is some controversy in the research. Some studies that just happened to have positive results were funded by Cargill, a corporation interested in creating a sugar substitute from Stevia. For instance the sweeteners "Truvia" and "PureVia" are both Stevia based no-calorie sweeteners that are being used in mainstream products. The FDA has apparently not approved Stevia for sale unless labeled as a supplement, but in the case of these Stevia based mass produced sweeteners it has issued a "no objection" declaration. Go figure.

As far as health benefits of Stevia go we can either trust the natives of Brazil and Paraguay who have been drinking it medicinally for centuries or we can look at the varied research being done here in the states. One study showed that Stevia stimulated carcinogens and could potentially cause cancer while subsequent studies have taken this one to war claiming that Stevia is an antioxidant and thereby prevents cancer. Apparently there is controversy and it is unclear as to whom the players in this are and what they stand to gain. Personally, I trust nature.

Sun Tea

1/4 cup green tea or yerba mate

1/8 cup hibiscus

2 Quart clear glass jar full of water

1 dropper full of stevia leaf extract (I use "Sweet Leaf" brand)

Combine first three ingredients and set outside at night in what will be a sunny spot. Let sit overnight and bring inside the next evening. Use a wooden spoon to stir in the Stevia. Chill in fridge and enjoy over ice with friends.