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How the perfect cup of tea includes salt and lemon, according to science
Science says the perfect cup of tea includes salt and lemon, leading to a hilarious argument between US and British Embassies.
Despite tea possibly being first consumed in China as early as 4,000 years ago, the classic beverage has long been a staple of British culture and identity. This week, a US scientist has claimed that the perfect cup of tea needs salt and lemon, leading to a hilarious argument between US and British Embassies online.
US scientist says the perfect cup of tea should use salt and lemon
Whilst Americans may have been enjoying salty British tea since Boston 1773, a new book from US chemist Michelle Francl has certainly stirred the pot by suggesting that the ‘perfect’ cup of tea should include salt and lemon.
According to Professor Francl, salt acts as a natural blocker to the receptor that gives tea its bitter taste so adding the tiniest little pinch can help counteract that bitterness.
It is not like adding sugar. I think people are afraid they will be able to taste the salt. It is [also] OK to experiment. I did experiments in my kitchen for this – channel your inner scientist.”
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Adding salt was one of many little recommendations Francl had for making the perfect cup of tea, with another being to add a splash of lemon juice to remove the scum that might form on the surface.
“You end up getting tea scum forming on the surface, and that scum contains some of the antioxidants and taste compounds, she claimed.
Other scientifically accurate advice offered by Professor Francl included:
- Using loose tea leaves, instead of a tea bag
- Constantly stirring the tea, instead of leaving it to brew
- Using short and stout mugs to retain heat
- Warming up both the mug and milk before pouring
Whilst all in good jest, at least Professor Francl admitted you should only add milk after the water has already been poured in going milk first is a sure way of ruining a once-decent cup of tea. �
Controversial recipe leads to hilarious response from US Embassy
It shouldnt come as a surprise, the rather unusual recommendation of using salt and lemon for making the perfect cup of tea was met with intense (and humorous) backlash online from thirsty Brits.
Yet one of the most surprisingly comedic replies came from the US Embassy in London, who described the recipe as landing the special relationship in hot water.
We want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britains national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be. Let us unite in our steeped solidarity and show the world that when it comes to tea, we stand as one.
It was reading so well& Until the final line: The U.S. Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way by microwaving it. So close, yet so far.
In response to the post, dubbed by some online as almost a declaration of war, the British Embassy in Washington shared a helpful video from members of the British Armed Forces about the only way to make the perfect cuppa.
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Whilst there is genuine scientific evidence to suggest that tea would taste better with these unusual ingredients, perhaps it’s not worth breaking the US and UKs special bond over. That being said, its arguably the funniest online geopolitical interaction of 2024 so far so lets all calm down and have a nice cuppa.
