Iced tea makes a refreshing, stimulating beverage all year round, especially during the summer months. It can also be invigorating as a pick-me-up after exercising.
We have Richard Blechynden, an Englishman and India Tea Commissioner, to thank for his enterprising commercialization of iced tea in the United States. It was at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair, on a sweltering hot day, where he got the idea to serve his hot tea over ice. The people attending the fair were quick to drink his tea to quench their thirst. This new iced brew helped to introduce the black Indian and Ceylon teas to the US, and allowed Blechynden to continue to popularize iced tea, which spread quickly through the United States.
When trying to decide between convenience teas (ready to drink teas) and hot brewed tea, studies have shown that most homemade iced tea has more antioxidants than convenience teas. Since the levels of antioxidants in the green and black teas are similar, whichever type you choose, you will be getting a healthy, refreshing glass of iced tea!