This Homemade Peach Iced Tea is fruity, fresh, naturally sweet, and brimming with real peach flavor. Made using ripe peaches, freshly brewed black tea, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice, this refreshing and delectable Peach Iced Tea Recipe is one of the easiest homemade summer drinks you can make at home.
The best part about this easy iced tea recipe is that it uses real peaches instead of store-bought peach syrup with artificial flavors. In this iced tea, fresh peaches are simmered until soft and juicy, then strained into a smooth peach puree that blends gorgeously with freshly brewed black tea.
Every glass of this fruity iced tea is packed with fresh peach flavor and has the right balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and revitalizing tea.
Freezing herbs in olive oil preserves color and aroma. It creates convenient flavor cubes.
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Table of contents
Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, while maple syrup adds just the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural taste of the peaches. Since this recipe is made from scratch using simple ingredients, it tastes much healthier, fresher, and more flavorful than bottled peach iced tea.
This easy Homemade Peach Iced Tea is ideal for hot summer days, backyard barbecues, picnics, family gatherings, or anytime you are craving a cooling homemade drink.
It is also a lovely make-ahead beverage because the flavors become even better after a few hours (especially overnight) in the refrigerator.
One of my favorite things about this peach iced tea is that it is very easy to customize. You can brew the tea stronger if you enjoy a bold tea flavor, or add extra chilled water for a lighter drink. You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. Garnish each glass with fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and mint leaves for a beautiful finishing touch.
If you love iced tea and bright fruit drinks prepared with seasonal produce, then this Peach Iced Tea with fresh peaches is the recipe you will want to save to your repertoire.
Just make it once, and you will find yourself making it again and again throughout the summer.
About Homemade Peach Iced Tea
This light and delicious Homemade Peach Iced Tea is a refreshingly sweet and vibrant fruit tea prepared with fresh peaches, black tea, maple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. Unlike many recipes that use peach nectar or flavored syrups, this recipe gets its delicious peach flavor from real peaches that are gently simmered with sweetener and water until soft and then blended into a smooth puree.
The homemade peach puree is what makes this Fresh Peach Iced Tea so flavorful. As the peaches cook, they release their natural juices and sweetness, which gives it a beautifully fruity base that pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed black tea. When you mix these two together, you get a hydrating drink with real peach flavor in every sip.
Fresh lemon juice is another simple ingredient that makes a big difference. It brightens the peach flavor, balances the sweetness with its tangy taste, and gives this homemade iced tea a fresh finish without making it taste overly tart.
I like to use maple syrup as the sweetener in this recipe because it adds a gentle sweetness that complements the peaches beautifully. However, if you don’t like maple syrup or prefer another sweetener, you can easily swap it with honey, agave, granulated sugar, or any of your favorite sweeteners instead.
Traditional sweet tea recipes can sometimes be overly sugary, but this Homemade Peach Tea version has a light, bright taste that lets the natural fruit flavor shine through. It is sweet enough to satisfy your taste buds without masking the fresh peach flavor.
Another thing I love about this Peach Iced Tea Recipe is that it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator. As it rests in the refrigerator for a few hours, the peach, tea, and lemon flavors blend together beautifully, making every glass even more flavor-packed. That’s why I often prepare it a day in advance whenever I am serving it to guests. It tastes even more delicious the next day.
This iced tea recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can make it sweeter, stronger, or lighter depending on your taste preference. I have a teenager at home who loves iced tea, so when I make it for her, I use decaf black tea. It works very well.
When peaches are in season, I often make a large pitcher because it disappears so quickly in our house. We love iced tea and iced latte in our family.
Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, serving brunch, or simply relaxing at home, this homemade peach iced tea always comes to the rescue with its refreshing flavors.
Once you make it and taste the difference fresh peaches make, you will never want to go back to bottled peach tea again. So, are you ready to make this easy-peasy iced tea?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Homemade Peach Iced Tea
✔ is quick & easy to make at home
✔ is easy to customize
✔ is refreshing, fruity, and delicious
✔ uses real fresh peaches
✔ requires only 4 pantry ingredients
✔ is naturally sweetened with maple syrup
✔ is ideal for summer entertaining
✔ tastes way better than store-bought peach tea
✔ is jam-packed with fresh peach flavor
✔ doesn’t contain artificial flavors
✔ is a crowd-pleasing summer drink
✔ can be made in advance
✔ is perfect for picnics & barbecues
✔ is great on hot summer days
✔ can be sweetened to taste
✔ tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
For making this heat-beating Homemade Peach Iced Tea Recipe, you only need a handful of basic pantry ingredients. Each ingredient makes this drink fruity, refreshing, and packed with fresh peach flavor.
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Fresh peaches: Ripe peaches are the main ingredient in this recipe. They make a naturally sweet peach puree, which gives this iced tea its beautiful color and authentic peach flavor. Always choose fragrant peaches that are slightly soft to the touch for the sweetest results. Nectarines also work well in this recipe if that’s what you have on hand.
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Sweetener: I added maple syrup to this recipe to give it a delicate sweetness that complements the peaches without overpowering them. You can easily replace it with honey, agave, brown sugar, granulated sugar, or another sweetener if you prefer.
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Water: You will need some water to simmer the peaches until they become soft and juicy. You will also need chilled water for assembling the iced tea to adjust its strength to your liking.
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Black tea bags: Freshly brewed black tea gives this Peach Iced Tea Recipe its classic tea flavor. You can use English Breakfast tea, Orange Pekoe tea, or your favorite black tea. They all work beautifully in this recipe. For the best flavor, follow the steeping instructions on the tea bags. Do not over-steep the tea bags, as overly strong tea can become bitter.
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Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of the peaches. It also gives the tea a lovely, refreshing finish. I recommend using fresh lemon juice whenever possible because bottled juice doesn’t have quite the same fresh flavor. If you like, you can also use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
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Ice cubes: To serve this iced tea, you will need plenty of ice cubes to keep the tea wonderfully cold and satisfying. Chilled iced tea is perfect for warm weather.
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Garnishing: Fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and a few fresh mint leaves make a beautiful garnish while adding even more fresh flavor, aroma, and a bright pop to every glass, making each glass look extra inviting. However, the garnishes are totally optional. This tea will still taste so good without them.
How to Make Homemade Peach Iced Tea
Making this Homemade Peach Iced Tea is super easy. First, you will brew a strong batch of black tea while the peaches cook into a naturally sweet peach puree. Then simply combine everything together, chill until cold, pour over ice, and enjoy anytime.
This zesty Peach Iced Tea tastes fresh, fruity, and far better than anything you can buy at the store.
Brew the Black Tea
First, add the black tea bags to a large heatproof cup, bowl, or measuring jug. Pour the boiling water over the tea bags and let them steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.
Once brewed, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely. Avoid steeping the tea for too long; otherwise, it can develop a bitter taste.
Make the Peach Puree
While the tea cools, remove the pits from the peaches and slice them.
Add the sliced peaches, maple syrup, and water to a saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches become soft and tender.
Reduce the heat to low and mash the peaches using a potato masher until they are mostly smooth. Let the mixture cool for about 10–15 minutes.
Now, pour the peach mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring jug. Press firmly with the back of a spoon to extract as much peach puree as possible. Once strained, discard the remaining skins and pulp.
Assemble the Peach Iced Tea
Pour the smooth peach puree into a large pitcher. Then add the cooled black tea, fresh lemon juice, and chilled water. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
Taste the tea and adjust it if needed by adding more sweetener, lemon juice, or water. Add a little more maple syrup if you’d like it sweeter, or stir in extra chilled water if you prefer a lighter tea.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours. For the best flavor, chill it overnight. This resting time gives the peach, tea, and lemon flavors plenty of time to blend together.
Serve
Stir the chilled iced tea well. Fill serving glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Add a few fresh peach slices and lemon slices to each glass, then pour the chilled homemade peach iced tea over the ice.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, give it a quick stir, and enjoy it chilled.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Homemade Peach Iced Tea Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you have the basic recipe, you can create many delightful variations by changing the fruit, tea, or sweetener.
Honey Peach Iced Tea
Replace the maple syrup with honey for a naturally sweet Peach Iced Tea with a slightly floral flavor. Honey goes perfectly well with fresh peaches and black tea.
Peach Green Tea
For a lighter and slightly grassy flavor, replace the black tea with green tea. Be careful not to over-steep the green tea. Only steep it as per the package instructions, as it can become bitter more quickly than black tea. If you love my Green Tea Watermelon Detox Smoothie, then you will definitely love Peach Green Tea.
Sparkling Peach Iced Tea
For a bubbly twist, replace half of the chilled water with sparkling water or club soda just before serving. It makes a wonderfully revitalizing summer drink.
Peach Mint Iced Tea
If you enjoy fresh herbs like mint, then add a handful of fresh crushed mint leaves while the tea chills. The mint adds a fresh, herby flavor that pairs amazingly well with the sweet peaches.
Peach Lime Iced Tea
Love citrus? Swap the lemon juice with lime juice, and add a little extra fresh lime juice or a few extra lime slices for a brighter, more citrusy Peach Iced Tea.
Peach Raspberry Iced Tea
Enjoy berry iced tea? Then make a berry version of it. Add a handful of fresh raspberries while simmering the peaches. They add a beautiful color and a delicious fruity berry flavor that complements the peaches perfectly.
Peach Nectarine Tea
If nectarines are in season, you can replace some or all of the fresh peaches with fresh nectarines. Since they have a similar flavor and texture, they work really well in this recipe.
Ginger Peach Iced Tea
Love a gingery punch? Then feel free to add a few slices of fresh ginger while simmering the peaches. Remove the ginger before straining the puree for a subtle spicy note that complements the fruit wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade Peach Iced Tea tastes really great when served ice cold. Make sure to fill tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes before pouring the chilled tea over the top. You can garnish each glass with fresh peach slices, lemon slices, and a few mint leaves for an extra fresh and beautiful presentation, or just drink it as it is.
This cool and crisp Peach Iced Tea Recipe is great for serving at summer barbecues, picnics, cookouts, birthday parties, baby showers, brunches, and holiday gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy iced tea. Since it can be prepared in advance, it is an excellent choice when you are entertaining guests.
For a fun summer brunch, serve it alongside homemade lemonade, iced rose latte, fruit-infused water, or sparkling water so your guests can choose their favorite summer-ready beverage.
This Fresh Peach Iced Tea also goes well with light summer meals such as fresh peach salad, grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, sandwiches, wraps, grilled corn, pasta salad, or fruit salad.
If you are serving dessert, you can enjoy it with peach cobbler, lemon ice cream, orange ice cream, fruit crisps, berry cakes, lemon cookies, shortbread cookies, scones, peach muffins, or a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or mango ice cream.
For road trips, beach days, camping, or afternoon picnics, you can also pour this Homemade Peach Iced Tea into insulated bottles or mason jars as a go-to drink.
It’s a sunshine-worthy homemade drink that’s easy to make ahead and perfect for enjoying wherever summer takes you.
Storage Suggestions
You can store the leftover Homemade Peach Iced Tea in an airtight jar, a pitcher, or a covered glass jar in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
Since we have used fresh peaches to make the peach puree, some of the puree will naturally settle at the bottom of the pitcher as it chills. That is completely normal. Before serving, make sure to give it a quick stir so everything is evenly combined again and the peach puree is evenly distributed throughout the tea.
For the freshest flavor, I like to finish my peach tea within the first two days. This is when the flavors are actually at their best. After about 12 hours of chilling, you get so much more flavor infusion, and everything mingles together so beautifully.
During the first two days, the tea tastes fresh, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. So, if possible, try to finish it within the first two days, but it is also perfectly fine to enjoy it on the third day. The bright peach flavor may become a little less pronounced after three days, but it is still delicious. So yes, the first three days are the best for enjoying this peach tea at its freshest.
If you are planning to make this tea for parties or get-togethers, then you can easily make it a day in advance. In fact, I think this is the best way to make it because it develops even more flavor after about 24 hours. After chilling overnight, the peach, tea, and lemon flavors blend together beautifully. I do not recommend freezing Homemade Peach Iced Tea because freezing can slightly change the texture of the peach puree and affect its fresh flavor after thawing.
I do not recommend freezing it for a long time, but for up to one week, you can definitely do that. Once your peach puree and tea are ready, simply pour them into ice cube trays. Once the cubes are completely frozen, remove them from the trays and store them in a Ziplock bag or an airtight container in the freezer. They are best used within the first seven days. Simply add the cubes to a glass, pour in chilled water or chilled sparkling water, and stir. As the cubes melt, the drink becomes nicely chilled and even more flavorful. However, for the best texture and the freshest flavor, I still prefer enjoying this Peach Iced Tea without freezing it.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Peach Iced Tea
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Ripe peaches: For the best-tasting Peach Iced Tea, use sweet, ripe, and fragrant peaches that are in season because they will produce the best flavor. If your peaches are underripe, they won’t be naturally as fruity and sweet. So, give them a couple of days on the counter or just pack them in a paper bag. After a couple of days, they will ripen, and then you can use them.
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Don’t over-steep the tea: For the best flavor, I would recommend steeping the tea for five to seven minutes, or as the tea package says. Five to seven minutes is perfect for a bold tea flavor without any bitterness. If you steep black tea for too long, it might become bitter. So, check the instructions on your tea bag and steep it accordingly.
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Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright citrus flavor to the tea and mingles so well with the peach flavor. So, make sure that you use freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten the peach flavor and make it even more delicious. Bottled lemon juice can also work here, but fresh is always the best. You can also swap it with lime juice if you don’t have lemon juice. It will taste just as delicious.
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Adjust the sweetness: Once your tea is ready, feel free to taste the sweetness. Every batch of peaches is different, so taste the tea after mixing and maybe add more maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter, or more water if you want to dilute it. Make it your own by customizing and tasting the Peach Iced Tea before chilling.
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Straining: I prefer using a smooth puree, so I like to strain the peach puree. To strain it, simply press the cooked peaches firmly through a fine-mesh sieve so you extract as much smooth peach puree as possible. This gives the tea a silky texture. If you don’t want to strain the puree, you can also blend it using an immersion blender. A few bits of peach flesh are perfectly fine if you don’t mind them.
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Chilling: You can surely enjoy the Peach Iced Tea over ice straight away, but since you have just mixed everything together, the flavors need a little time to develop. So, I recommend chilling it in the freezer for one to two hours, or if you are in a hurry, even 30 minutes before serving. This tea tastes its best when you let the flavors chill and blend together. For me, overnight is even better.
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Stirring: Since fresh peach puree naturally settles as the tea sits, always give your chilled Peach Iced Tea a good stir before pouring each glass.
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Customize: Feel free to customize it. Like a stronger tea? Then add more tea bags. Prefer a lighter, fruitier drink? Add a bit more chilled water until it tastes just right.
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Black tea: Always use quality black tea. Choose a tea you enjoy drinking. Since black tea is one of the main ingredients in this recipe, it makes a big difference in the taste. English Breakfast, Orange Pekoe, or Assam tea all work beautifully here.
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Serving: For the best taste, serve it over plenty of ice. A generous amount of ice keeps the tea nicely cold and refreshing, especially on warm summer days.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes. If fresh peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches. They work very well in this recipe. Simply use them without thawing. You may need to cook them for an extra minute or two if they release additional liquid.
What is the best tea for Homemade Peach Iced Tea?
Black tea is my favorite because it has a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet peaches. English Breakfast, Orange Pekoe, or Assam tea are all excellent choices. For different flavors, you can also use berry or hibiscus tea. They taste good too.
Can I make this recipe less sweet?
Absolutely, you can. Start with the suggested amount of maple syrup, then taste after mixing. If your peaches are very sweet, you may find that you don’t need any additional sweetener at all.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, definitely. Honey is a great substitute for maple syrup and gives this tea a slightly floral sweetness. You can also use granulated sugar, agave syrup, or your favorite sweetener. They all work well.
Can I make Peach Iced Tea ahead of time?
Yes. This iced tea is actually one of the best make-ahead summer drinks. Make it several hours in advance or even the day before serving. The flavors continue to infuse and develop as it chills.
Why did my peach puree settle?
Oh, that’s completely normal. Since this recipe uses real peaches instead of artificial flavoring, some of the puree naturally settles to the bottom of the pitcher. Just stir the tea before serving, and you are good to go.
Can I make this recipe with green tea?
Yes. Green tea is a nice substitute. It makes a lighter and slightly more delicate Peach Iced Tea. Just remember that green tea should be steeped for a shorter time to avoid bitterness.
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Definitely, yes. Nectarines have a very similar flavor and texture, which makes them an amazing substitute in this Homemade Peach Tea Recipe.
How long does Homemade Peach Iced Tea last?
Store the leftover iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight pitcher or container. For the freshest flavor, enjoy it within the first two days.
Can I double this recipe?
Certainly, you can! This recipe is perfect for making a larger batch for parties, get-togethers, summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any other summer celebrations. Simply double or triple all the ingredients and prepare it in a large pitcher.
Homemade Peach Iced Tea Recipe (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Brew the Tea
- Place the black tea bags in a large heat-proof cup or bowl. Pour 2½ cups of boiling water over the tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely.
Make the Peach Puree
- Slice the peaches, remove the pits, and then slice them.
- Add the sliced peaches, maple syrup, and water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are very soft.
- Turn the heat to low and mash the peaches using a potato masher until smooth and juicy. Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Then pour it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring jug, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much peach puree as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
How to Assemble the Peach Iced Tea
- Pour the peach puree into a large pitcher. Add the cooled black tea.
- Also, add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir in 2 cups of chilled water. Taste and add more chilled water if you prefer a lighter tea.
- Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. I like to chill it overnight.
- Once chilled, stir until combined before serving.
Serving
- Fill tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Add lemon slices and peach slices.
- Pour the chilled peach iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Stir well, serve immediately, and enjoy.
Recipe Card
Homemade Peach Iced Tea Recipe [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Servings ☺ |
| Drinks | American | 6 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 91 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For the Peach Puree
- 4 medium ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey, granulated sugar, or your favorite sweetener), or to taste
- 1 cup water
For the Black Tea
- 4 black tea bags
- 2½ cups (600 ml) boiling water
To Assemble
- Prepared peach puree
- Brewed black tea, cooled completely
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
- 2 to 3 cups chilled water, depending on your preferred strength
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh peach slices, for garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Brew the Tea
- Place the black tea bags in a large heat-proof cup or bowl. Pour 2½ cups of boiling water over the tea bags and steep for 5–7 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool completely.
Make the Peach Puree
- Slice the peaches, remove the pits, and then slice them.
- Add the sliced peaches, maple syrup, and water to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are very soft.
- Turn the heat to low and mash the peaches using a potato masher until smooth and juicy. Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Then pour it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring jug, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract as much peach puree as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
How to Assemble the Peach Iced Tea
- Pour the peach puree into a large pitcher. Add the cooled black tea.
- Also, add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir in 2 cups of chilled water. Taste and add more chilled water if you prefer a lighter tea.
- Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. I like to chill it overnight.
- Once chilled, stir until combined before serving.
Serving
- Fill tall glasses with plenty of ice cubes. Add lemon slices and peach slices.
- Pour the chilled peach iced tea over the ice. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Stir well, serve immediately, and enjoy.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- Avoid over-steeping the tea bags, as this can make the tea bitter.
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches to make the sweetest and most flavorful iced tea. You can use either peaches or nectarines.
- Start with 1/3 cup maple syrup and adjust the sweetness after mixing if needed.
- Fresh lemon juice is added to brighten the peach flavor and balance the sweetness beautifully.
NUTRITION (Per Serving):
Calories: 91kcal | Fat: 0.3g | Carbohydrates: 22.8g | Protein: 0.9g | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 19.4g | Sodium: 18.3mg
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Author: Anupama
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