In 1904, Richard Blechynden set up a booth to sell hot tea at the St. Louis World Fair. He was an English tea plantation owner and wanted to offer his services, but it was a very hot day. The people at the fair did not want anything hot to drink. They needed something cold, so Richard dumped some of his hot tea into ice and served it cold. People swarmed around his booth to buy this refreshing drink, and it is the first known use of iced tea.
Summers are hot, so June 10th was named National Iced Tea Day to bring a refreshing start to summer. You can drink it plain, with a slice of lemon, or with sugar. Not only is iced tea refreshing, but it is also healthy! Modern research supports the ancient uses of tea to make people better. Tea can help:
