Page 5 - Tea Basics Brochure

SOLVING WATER PROBLEMS
WATER PROBLEMS AFFECTING ICED TEA QUALITY
Water hardness is caused by a high mineral content.Tests show any hardness in excess of 200 ppm can cause clouding in iced tea. Chemical taste and/or odor caused by chlorination of municipal water and the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the water can also detract from tea flavor. In addition, the presence of particulate matter in water can cause scale and lime accumulation, detracting from the operational efficiency of automatic tea steeping equipment.
Water Hardness Map
To minimize problems associated with a less than optimal water supply, the Tea Association recommends installation of filtration/conditioning equipment and water softening equipment to reduce or eliminate water hardness caused by excessive mineral content. In extreme hard water areas, a preventive maintenance service arrangement
may be necessary.
Over 14 gpg 10 -14 gpg 7 -10 gpg
Extremely Hard Very Hard
Moderately Hard Slightly Hard
THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINE CLEANING
To guarantee your steeping equipment is clean and your customers receive only the best fresh-steeped iced tea, follow these simple steps:
Prepare only enough tea that you expect to sell within 12 hours. Discard any unused tea after 12 hours.
To protect tea flavor and to avoid bacterial contamination and growth, clean and sterilize tea steeping and storage equipment at least once a day as follows:
• Dismantle dispensing spigots, hoses, storage reservoirs (removing gaskets, “O” rings, etc) and rinse in warm water along with other steeping and storage utensils.
• Wash in hot water using a dish detergent. Remove any encrusted soil deposits with a brush or cleaning pad.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean hot water.
• Sanitize non-stainless steel parts by immersing for at least 1 minute in hot water at 180°F (82.2°C) or by rinsing in warm water mixed with chlorine (minimum
50 ppm – one capful of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water). Do not use chlorine bleach on stainless steel urns or dispensers – it will promote small leaks.
• Disassemble dispenser spigot, then clean and sanitize according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Replace any worn gaskets, “O” rings, or any other scratched or damaged parts before reassembling.
Hard
3 - 7 gpg Less than 3 gpg