Why Drinking Tea All Day Might Not Be the Best Idea in Summer

Summer is here, and with it comes the unbearable heat of "Da Shu" – the hottest time of the year. Now, I get it. You’re probably thinking: "It's so hot, why not just make a giant pot of tea and sip it all day long to stay cool?" But before you do, let’s talk about why that might not be the best approach.

In this article, I’ll break down why you should rethink that huge jug of tea, especially during the scorching heat of summer. And trust me, you’ll want to stick around for the tips I’ve got at the end. Let’s dive in.

So, Why Do People Drink Tea All Day?

It’s a pretty common summer practice. We see people everywhere brewing huge pots of tea, sometimes using oversized teapots, and they just keep refilling their cups throughout the day. It’s refreshing, it’s hydrating, and it’s easy to make. But here’s the thing – not all tea habits are created equal.

The Big Issue with Drinking Tea All Day

You’ve probably heard someone say, "You shouldn't drink tea all day, especially in the summer." That sounds like a weird thing to say, right? After all, tea is healthy, right? Well, yes... and no.

Here’s the deal: Drinking a pot of tea all day, especially in the heat, might do more harm than good. Tea, when left to sit in the pot too long, loses its freshness. You’re essentially drinking something that's gone stale and losing out on that wonderful, fresh taste you’re after. Plus, if you’re sipping on it all day, you’re actually loading up on caffeine and tannins, which can leave you feeling jittery and uncomfortable, especially if it’s hot outside.

The Problem with "One Teapot, All Day" Tea Habits

1. The Stale Tea Effect

When you brew a pot of tea and leave it sitting for hours, the tea is going to lose its flavor. By lunchtime, what you’re sipping on isn’t fresh anymore, and you’ll notice it doesn’t taste as good. Tea is best enjoyed fresh. Once it’s been steeping for hours, the aromatic compounds and essential oils that make tea so enjoyable start to dissipate.

I know, it’s tempting to just refill your cup throughout the day, but think about it – the longer you let tea sit, the more bitter it becomes, and that freshness you were craving is long gone.

2. The "Tea-Drinking Overload"

So, what happens when you drink too much tea over a long period? Well, first, you’re piling up on caffeine. And yes, tea has less caffeine than coffee, but if you’re drinking it all day, it adds up. More caffeine means more chances of feeling jittery or even dehydrated. Not exactly what you need when you’re already battling the heat.

And then there are the tannins in the tea, which can upset your stomach when consumed in excess. Drinking too much of it, especially on an empty stomach or with cold water, can lead to discomfort.

3. Hot Tea in Summer? Not Ideal

Now, let’s talk about the temperature of your tea. Drinking hot tea during the hottest months isn’t the most comforting thing. Sure, there’s a cultural tradition to it, but in the summer heat, that warm tea can actually make you feel hotter. Instead of hydrating, you’re causing your body to work harder to cool itself down. So, what’s the solution? Cold tea is the way to go, but even then, there are things to consider.

Should You Switch to Cold Tea?

Absolutely, cold tea is a great option. But here's the catch – not all cold tea is created equal.

• Cold Brew Tea: It's smooth and refreshing, but don’t let it sit in the fridge for days. Just like hot tea, leaving cold tea for too long can cause it to lose its flavor and become stale. If you want that fresh, vibrant taste, you’ve got to drink it within a reasonable time.

• Add Fruits, But Don’t Overdo It: Adding fruits or flavorings to your tea might sound fun and fancy, but if you’re not careful, you could end up drinking a sugary beverage instead of just tea. This is where a traditional, simple cold brew or iced tea is your best bet.

Is It Okay to Drink Tea All Day? Yes, But…

So, can you drink tea all day? Sure, but keep it fresh and keep it light. If you’re using a large teapot, aim to finish it within a few hours. Avoid letting it sit around for the entire day, and most importantly, try to sip it in moderation. Don’t overdo the caffeine, and take care to mix it up with water or other hydrating beverages.

Here’s My Tip: How to Enjoy Tea in the Summer

If you’re like me and love your tea, I recommend using a yixing zisha teapot. Why? Because it’s great for making smaller, fresh servings. This way, you get that burst of flavour each time you brew it. Plus, it looks awesome on your counter. I personally use one when I’m in the mood for a fresh cup of tea without the hassle of brewing too much.

FAQs

Q: Can I drink hot tea in the summer? A: Yes, but it’s better in moderation. Hot tea can make you feel even hotter. I’d suggest switching to cold tea when it gets too warm.

Q: How long can I leave tea in a teapot? A: Ideally, you should drink it within 1-2 hours. After that, it starts to lose its flavour and might taste stale.

Q: Should I drink cold tea all day in the summer? A: Cold tea is refreshing, but like hot tea, it’s best to drink it fresh. Keep it in the fridge, but consume it within a day or two for the best flavour.

Q: What about adding fruit to my iced tea? A: Fruit is a nice touch, but be careful. Adding too much can turn it into more of a sweet drink than a simple, refreshing tea.

Final Thoughts

In the end, tea is an awesome drink, but you’ve got to be smart about how you consume it, especially in the summer. Don’t be that person drinking a teapot that’s been sitting around for hours. Whether it's hot or cold, drink it fresh, keep it light, and enjoy it in moderation. That way, you’ll stay hydrated and refreshed without sacrificing taste or your health. So, next time it’s hot, opt for a freshly brewed cup of tea – just don’t make it a whole day's commitment!