American scientist Dr. Michelle Francl has sparked a transatlantic debate with her unique tea brewing method. As a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College, Dr Francl’s approach involves adding a pinch of salt to tea to lessen the bitterness. She also recommends warming the milk before adding it to the tea to avoid curdling. Her book, ‘Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea,’ is based on extensive research and ancient texts.
Cultural Clash over Tea Habits
This unconventional method has led to discussions about the cultural differences in tea habits between the US and the UK. The US Embassy in London humorously clarified that adding salt to tea is not an official US stance. With her suggestions, Dr. Francl, a self-proclaimed tea enthusiast, aims to enhance the tea-drinking experience. She prefers tea over coffee and suggests using specific mugs, choosing tea leaves instead of teabags, and addressing issues like bitterness and scum formation.
In contrast, the British, known for their strong tea culture, traditionally brew tea using a kettle, a method less common in the US. The US Embassy jokingly concluded their statement by mentioning the American practice of microwaving tea, highlighting the cultural tea-making differences between the two nations.
