An American scientist's tea-making advice has ruffled feathers in the UK – even within government ranks – as tea is considered a veritable institution in the country.
Michelle Francl, a professor at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, shared in an interview with The Telegraph that adding salt to over-infused tea can "moderate the perception of bitterness."
"I've started adding just a tiny pinch, and it does indeed help," said the author of 'Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea', which was published by the Royal Society of Chemistry on Wednesday. "This is advice that seems to really surprise people, but it's really just about rescuing an over-brewed cup of tea."
She also proposed adding warm milk to tea – an unusual practice in the UK, where cold milk is traditionally used – and suggested pre-warming the mug or teapot to boost the levels of caffeine and antioxidants in the drink.
This direct assault on one of Britain's most cherished cultural traditions went viral and even sparked passionate exchanges involving the American Embassy in London.
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"We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundations of our Special Relationship [with the UK]," the embassy stated in a press release, asserting that adding salt to tea "is not official United States policy and never will be."
However, the embassy cheekily added that it would "continue to make tea the correct way – by microwaving it," a sentiment considered blasphemous by Brits everywhere.
Amid the uproar, the UK's Cabinet Office, which coordinates ministerial activity, declared on X (formerly Twitter): "We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly... Tea can only be made using a kettle."
In response, to the statement put out by the US Embassy in the UK:
We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly... Tea can only be made using a kettle. https://t.co/Jt5xWKYRkT — Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) January 24, 2024
