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Information: Long Island has been famous for its strawberries for as long as people have lived there. Local history books describe people going on picnics and nature hikes to pick the wild berries as far back as the 1850's - and that's only recorded history. Archaeological records show that the Native Americans who inhabited Long Island centuries ago were also fond of the sweet summertime fruit. After the civil war, commercial farming on Long Island began to develop rapidly. Among the new cash crops was the wild strawberry. It didn’t hurt that the local farms were generally within a day's drive of New York City. Farmers began hauling their produce to markets around the City, spreading the word about the exceptional Long Island quality. The strawberry's popularity grew quickly and as time wore on, and car culture began to develop, roadside fruit stands popped up to cater to city folk partaking in the new found pleasure of the country drive. To this day, a journey out to Long Island will take you past many such stands and pick-your-own berry patches. Blended together, the combination of strawberry flavoring and green tea produces a cup that is light and fresh, tempered with delicate notes of juicy sweet strawberries. The juiciness is further enhanced by the addition of papaya pieces. Outstanding as an iced tea. Hot Brewing Method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to just before a boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cut in the teapot. Pour your hot water over the leaves. Let steep for 3-4 minutes according to taste (The longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Add milk and sugar to taste. Iced Tea Brewing Method: Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of very hot water over to tea, steep for 5 minutes. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and garnish and sweeten to taste if desired.
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