US scientist finds herself in hot water after offering UK advice for the perfect cup of tea

In a move that can only be described as daring, an American scientist has caused quite the storm in a teacup, attempting to enlighten the Brits on the art of crafting their cherished cuppa.

Chemistry professor Michelle Francl from Bryn Mawr College has boldly claimed that the elixir for the perfect brew isn’t an old family recipe but a pinch of salt.

The revelation, featured in her latest book, Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, has ignited a heated discussion among tea aficionados. Francl suggests that incorporating a modest pinch of salt into the tea can diminish its bitterness, attributing this effect to the sodium ions in salt blocking the bitter receptors in our mouths.

Additionally, she promotes the art of crafting tea by employing a pre-warmed pot, giving the tea bag a short yet vigorous agitation, and opting for a short, stout mug to uphold the heat.

To further stoke controversy, Francl recommends adding milk to the cup after the tea, not before—a stance that often stirs discord among tea enthusiasts.

The suggestion left a bitter aftertaste among tea lovers, with many taking to Twitter to voice their outrage.

The last person I’d ask for advice on making tea is an American.

— The Man Made (@themanmadeco) January 24, 2024

What kind of sacrilege is this?

— D MaC (@McC_711) January 24, 2024

Nooooooooooooo

— Manuco (@manuco22) January 24, 2024

Americans…. @YorkshireTea what have you got to say on this matter?? I am simply disgusted!

— Nicky (@nickycrowther77) January 24, 2024

US scientist should leave the making of a “perfect cup of tea” to the connoisseurs.

— Peace!! 🌍🙏🏾 (@debbopoullo1) January 24, 2024

Well, I recommend they give their head a wobble, sit down and shut up.

— Bob Jupp (@63nobbie) January 24, 2024

Anyone from the US couldn’t make a good cuppa if your life depends on it 🤣

— Suz (@whoareyou_64) January 24, 2024

Even the US embassy in London intervened in the brouhaha with a social media post reassuring “the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy”.

“Let us unite in our steeped solidarity and show the world that when it comes to tea, we stand as one,” the tongue-in-cheek post said.

“The US Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way – by microwaving it.”

An important statement on the latest tea controversy. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/HZFfSCl9sD

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) January 24, 2024

Francl found herself taken aback by the lively buzz her book stirred up across the pond.

“I kind of understood that there would hopefully be a lot of interest,” she told the Associated Press.

“I didn’t know we’d wade into a diplomatic conversation with the US embassy.”

-with AP.