"Pure" Iced Tea

I've already blogged about a lot of history on the Dismal Swamp when we traveled through on our way south. Here are some things I've just read about the water in the canal, that I think are interesting:

The color of the water here in the canal is deep brown, like iced tea. It can also be more black in color at times, like coffee. This is caused by tannic acids from the bark of the juniper, gum, and cypress trees. These acids also preserve the water, not allowing bacteria to grow, and making it chemically pure. Before the days of refrigeration, water from the swamp was a highly prized commodity on sailing ships. It was put in kegs and would stay fresh for a long time. People spoke of the magical qualities of the water and how, if it were regularly drunk, it prevented illness and prevented long life.

Believe me, it would be a BIG stretch for me to drink this water, despite the pure and magical stuff!