An unusual cup of tea - 12th February 2024

An American scientist has tested the UK’s friendship with the USA. It all started with some research about a cup of tea.

Chemistry professor Michelle Francl’s a researcher. Her new book is called “Steeped: The chemistry of tea”. She suggests using salt to make tea taste better.

Tea’s a way of life in British culture. But it’s never included any salt. The idea’s shocked people in Britain!

A British ‘cuppa’ is usually made with black tea. First, hot water’s boiled in a kettle. Then, the tea stays in the hot water for three minutes. After that, milk is added. You can add one or two teaspoons of sugar.

The US Embassy in London sent out a statement. It said, “adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy”. The embassy will continue to microwave its tea. The UK government then said that a kettle was essential.

US-UK history begins with an argument over tax on tea. Americans threw 340 boxes of tea off a ship in Boston in 1773. ‘The Boston Tea Party’ became a focus for independence from Britain.

Salt’s often used in tea in Central Asian cultures. This tradition’s centuries old. So tea is a very personal habit.