How to Make Peach Iced Tea at Home

Peach iced tea is the first port of call when you’re looking for a refreshing beachside drink. It is sweet, yet richly flavoured, and contains a small amount of caffeine for a little pick-me-up. Unfortunately, the peach iced tea that is commercially bottled and sold is very high in added sugars and sweeteners. So, though it might taste refreshing, it has an impact on your health if consumed too much. One alternative to bottled peach iced tea is to make your own from real peaches and tea – this gives you the same freshness and flavour as bottled, but without the added sugars and chemicals. Here’s how you can make this invigorating peach iced tea recipe at home:

What You’ll Need to Prepare Peach Ice Tea

Equipment

• Two saucepans

• Knife, chopping board

• Fork

• Large jug or pitcher

• Glasses and ice cubes

Peached Ice Tea Ingredients

• 4-5 ripe peaches

• 4-5 black tea bags

• ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• A lemon

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Method

1. Bring 4 cups of water to the boil in a saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags, and let steep for 5-7 minutes. If you prefer a weaker tea, remove the tea bags early; if you like a stronger tea, steep for longer.

2. Slice the peaches and combine with sugar in another saucepan. Cook over a medium heat until the peaches soften and the sugar dissolves, then mash with a fork to get the juices flowing. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.

3. Combine the tea and peach mixture in a large pitcher. Add the juice of half a lemon and stir well to combine. Chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.

4. Pour into glasses, and serve with ice cubes, a slice of lemon, and a sprig of mint.

5. Enjoy a lovely refreshing beverage.

Homemade peach iced tea offers a wide variety of health benefits that you might not get from bottled tea. Here are just a few of them:

Antioxidants: Peaches are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. These support the immune system, and protect the body from oxidative stress, which reduces your risk of chronic illness. Tea, especially black tea, is also high in antioxidants, and studies suggest that these may have further benefits to your heart health. These chemicals improve cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood vessel functioning, which lowers the risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Some compounds found in tea, such as polyphenols, may help regulate blood sugar levels. The fibre content of peaches also aids in blood sugar regulation and control. Additionally, you can control the amount of sugar in your homemade peach iced tea, which means that less sugar is absorbed into the body and blood in the first place.

Hydration: Peach iced tea can provide you with a tasty way of getting water into the body, which has a wide variety of further benefits to your health. Adequate hydration can help everything from your digestive system to your brain function.

Mental State and Mood: Tea contains an array of chemicals thought to have an impact on the brain. Caffeine, found in small quantities in tea, can help boost cognitive function and mental alertness, while the amino acid L-theanine has been seen to have relaxing and mood-enhancing effects. Enjoying a glass of homemade peach iced tea on a warm day can be a great way to unwind and reduce stress.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can. Frozen fruits and vegetables are usually no less nutritious than their fresh counterparts. Just make sure that the peaches you choose are unsweetened to control the sugar content of your tea.

What kind of black tea is best for peach iced tea?

Use whichever tea suits your palate. A Darjeeling or Assam variety can give you a deep, rich flavour, while Earl Grey tea can give you an extra citrussy twist from the bergamot content. 

Can I make peach iced tea with other kinds of tea?

Yes, green tea in particular is a great alternative. It has a milder flavour and pairs well with sweet peach syrup. You can also try making peach tea with herbal or fruit infusions – experiment with different flavours to find one that works for you.

Next time you are looking for a refreshing beverage for a nice warm day, look no further than a large batch of homemade peach iced tea. This drink is easy to make, and gives your body and mind a wide variety of health benefits compared to sweetened, bottled peach iced tea. Making your tea at home also means you have much more control over flavour and sugar content, so you can relax with your glass without worrying about what goes into your body.

Further Read,

• Benefits of Walnuts for Weight Loss

• Finger Millet vs Wheat Flour

• Benefits of Green Beans for Weight Loss