A revelation by US scientist Dr. Michelle Francl regarding the ideal tea-brewing technique has ignited a transatlantic debate, particularly between the US and the UK, renowned for its robust tea-drinking culture.
Dr. Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College, advocates for a unique approach, suggesting a pinch of salt to alleviate bitterness and warmed milk post-pouring to prevent curdling.
Her recommendations include using a stout mug, opting for tea leaves, adding a dash of lemon juice to eliminate scum, and removing the lid from a takeaway cup for enhanced aroma.
Based on her book ‘Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea,’ Dr. Francl claims to have derived this recipe from extensive analysis of research papers and ancient texts spanning over a millennium.
Her unconventional tea-making method has triggered discussions on cultural disparities and tea habits between the US and the UK. The US embassy in London distanced itself from the claims, asserting that adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not an official US policy.
The tea enthusiast professor, critiquing the tea quality in the US while expressing a preference for tea over coffee, believes her findings will elevate the tea-drinking experience.
Her suggestions, such as specific mug usage, favoring leaves over teabags, and addressing bitterness and scum, have drawn attention.
The controversy over Dr. Francl’s claims has reverberated in Britain, a nation deeply attached to its tea culture. The US embassy in London intervened, reassuring that the notion of adding salt to tea is not official US policy and never will be.
They emphasized the significance of tea as a symbol of camaraderie between the two nations, concluding with a humorous remark about the US continuing to make tea the proper way—by microwaving it.
In Britain, where tea holds a pivotal role in daily life, the traditional brewing method involves using a kettle, a practice less popular in the US.
I am an experienced writer, analyst, and author. My exposure in English journalism spans more than 28 years. In the past, I have been working with daily The Muslim (Lahore Bureau), daily Business Recorder (Lahore/Islamabad Bureaus), Daily Times, Islamabad, daily The Nation (Lahore and Karachi). With daily The Nation, I have served as Resident Editor, Karachi. Since 2009, I have been working as a Freelance Writer/Editor for American organizations.
