A pinch of salt brews diplomatic tension over tea rituals
21 June 2024 17:31
An American researcher has concluded that the best tea contains... a pinch of salt and a bit of lemon juice. Her controversial theory caused a real storm in the British media, and even the US embassy in London got involved.
Can tea lead to an international "scandal"? If the matter involves the United Kingdom, where this beverage is considered a national treasure, changing the way tea is brewed has become the cause of diplomatic turmoil, and the British media treated it almost as an insult.
Tea has become the cause of an international conflict
Earlier this year, American researcher Prof. Michelle Francl from Bryn Mawr College revealed her recipe for the perfect tea. According to her, adding a pinch of salt to the infusion is enough to suppress its bitterness effectively. Francl also suggested adding a few drops of lemon juice to avoid residue and dipping the tea bag more intensely to neutralize tannins.
These recommendations were tough for the British, especially since the researcher also shared tips on choosing the right cup and pre-warming the teapot. There was no lack of advice on heating milk for milk tea enthusiasts. Francl stated that Americans drink bad tea, so she wanted to teach them how to prepare it correctly.
What do the British think about this tea idea?
Her advice sparked huge outrage in the English media, which began widely commenting on the "American way of brewing tea." Newspapers like the Daily Mail and The Guardian wrote about the professor's unusual recommendations, almost leading to a diplomatic crisis. Some even decided to test Francl's assumptions, but their reviews were negative.
Even the US ambassador in London got involved in the matter. Her reaction was humorous, suggesting that the researcher was driving a wedge in the special relationship between the USA and the UK. She also noted that tea should not become a contention between nations. On the other hand, American officials stated that they would continue to brew tea in the "only proper way" – in the microwave. This referenced an earlier scandal when TikTok again caused an uproar over tea in the microwave. The Americans laughed at the situation, while the British were outraged.
