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The Overnight Brew: Unlocking the Surprising Benefits of Tea Beyond the Cup

The humble brew left to steep overnight can be a household's best-kept secret weapon.

2 September, 2024

Many people believe that tea left overnight should be discarded, as it is no longer suitable for consumption. This is because when tea is steeped for an extended period, it releases higher concentrations of tannic acid and caffeine, resulting in a bitter and unpleasant taste.

Additionally, the excessive amount of tannic acid in overnight tea can react with stomach acid, forming precipitates that hinder iron absorption and potentially irritate the stomach lining. Furthermore, overnight tea is likely to harbor bacterial growth, which can be detrimental to one’s health if consumed.

However, instead of discarding overnight tea, it can be repurposed for various household tasks. Here are some alternative uses for tea that has been left to steep overnight:

1. Watering Plants

Overnight tea can be an excellent fertilizer for your plants and flowers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements present in tea are essential nutrients for plant growth. These nutrients can promote the development of your flora and make them thrive. Additionally, the caffeine in overnight tea acts as a natural pesticide, effectively preventing and controlling plant diseases and pests.

When using overnight tea for your plants, it is recommended to dilute it with water at a ratio of 1:10 before watering your plants. For an organic pesticide, you can ferment the used tea leaves by placing them in a sealed container with a little water and microbial cultures. Expose the mixture to sunlight for 30-45 days, then filter the liquid and dilute it with clean water before spraying it on the leaves and soil to inhibit fungal growth and repel insects. Remember to use this tea fertilizer and pesticide sparingly to avoid over-fertilization or pesticide residue.

2. Washing Dishes

Overnight tea can be a surprising yet effective dishwashing liquid. The theophylline present in the tea’s essential oils has degreasing and deodorizing properties, making it perfect for removing grease and neutralizing strong odors. You can directly wash oily dishes and utensils with overnight tea without the need for additional detergents. After washing with the tea, a quick rinse under running water will leave your dishes clean and free of any residual grease.

3. Deodorizing

Tea is a natural deodorizer and can be used to eliminate unpleasant odors from your refrigerator or trash can. Tea has a strong absorption capacity and can absorb odor molecules, leaving your fridge or trash bin smelling fresh. Simply place a bowl of overnight tea in the refrigerator, and by the next day, the foul odors will be gone. For the trash can, pour some overnight tea into a spray bottle and spritz it directly into the trash bin to neutralize odors.

4. Polishing Wood Furniture

Tea can also be used to clean and polish wooden furniture. The tannin in tea has cleansing and polishing properties, making it ideal for maintaining the shine and longevity of your wooden surfaces. Apply overnight tea to a soft cloth and use it to wipe down your wooden furniture. This will not only make the wood gleam but also help prevent scratches and prolong its lifespan.

In addition to the uses mentioned above, overnight tea can also be used as a mouthwash to eliminate bad breath. Gargling with overnight tea before brushing your teeth can help neutralize mouth odors. Additionally, applying warm overnight tea to itchy skin can provide relief due to the presence of fluoride in the tea, which also helps prevent eczema and exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently asked questions

The overnight brew method is a traditional way of brewing tea, especially beneficial for herbal and green teas. It involves steeping the tea leaves in cold water for an extended period, often overnight, resulting in a mild, smooth, and less bitter taste.

The overnight brew method unlocks the hidden potential of tea. It reduces the bitter taste often associated with tea, making it smoother and more palatable. This method also extracts more antioxidants and beneficial compounds, boosting the tea’s health benefits. Additionally, it is a convenient way to prepare tea, as it doesn’t require boiling water and can be prepared in advance.

The extended steeping time in cold water alters the chemical composition of the tea. It reduces the levels of catechins, which are responsible for the astringent and bitter taste, resulting in a smoother flavor. Simultaneously, this process increases the extraction of beneficial compounds like gallic acid, quercetin, and theanine, enhancing the tea’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Herbal teas and green teas are particularly well-suited for the overnight brew method. Herbal teas, such as chamomile or hibiscus, benefit from this method as it enhances their natural flavors and health properties. Green tea, known for its high antioxidant content, becomes milder and less bitter when brewed this way, making it more enjoyable for those sensitive to its strong flavor.

While the overnight brew method enhances the flavor and benefits of herbal and green teas, it may not be the best approach for all types of tea. Black teas, for example, may not benefit as much from this method, as they are traditionally brewed with hot water to bring out their robust flavor and aroma.