Tea advice leaves a bad taste - 12th February 2024

An American researcher’s published a book on making the perfect cup of tea. However, this was a recipe for disaster for the relationship between the USA and UK. “Steeped: The chemistry of tea” was written by chemistry professor Michelle Francl, who explains that salt improves the flavour of the tea leaves.

This news didn’t agree with many people in Britain, where the rules for making the perfect cuppa are strictly followed. First, boiling water’s poured over black tea, which is then left to brew for three minutes. Once the tea’s brewed, milk is added. The tea can be sweetened with a spoonful of sugar, or two.

In order to avoid a political crisis, the US embassy in London issued a statement. It advised that “the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy.”

It also joked that “The US Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way - by microwaving it.”

The UK government responded that tea couldn’t be made without a kettle.

Tea drinking goes deep into British history. When American colonists didn’t want to pay the Tea Tax in 1773, they threw 340 chests of tea into Boston harbour. “The Boston Tea Party” became a key event which led to the 1776 American Declaration of Independence.

Tea arrived in Britain with King Charles II’s wife. Queen Catherine came from Portugal, which traded with China.

In many Central Asian cultures, salt’s been added to tea for centuries. Therefore, it seems a matter of personal taste.