In the sanctified world of tea, where traditions are sacred and
deviations are sacrilege, Professor Michelle Francl from Bryn Mawr College in
the U.S. has dared to stir the pot.
Professor Francl’s book, “Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea,”
unveils her audacious recipe for the elusive perfect cuppa. Brace yourself; it
involves a pinch of salt to tame the notorious bitterness of black tea.
A Pinch of Salt, a Squeeze of Lemon
Francl’s rebellious guidebook throws caution to the wind. Salt becomes
the unsung hero, countering the bitterness that has been an inseparable part of
black tea since time immemorial. To combat the unsightly “scum” that
may tarnish your tea’s surface, a daring squeeze of lemon is suggested. A
chemistry professor meddling with tea? The audacity!
A Diplomatic Brew-haha
In the serene universe of tea, tranquility was shattered when the US
Embassy in London found itself embroiled in a Twitter tiff over Francl’s
unconventional recipe. In a biting statement, the Embassy stood its ground,
dismissing Francl’s innovations and affirming its allegiance to the microwave
as the rightful tea-making vessel.
An important statement on the latest tea controversy. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/HZFfSCl9sD
— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) January 24, 2024
The verdict? Adding salt to tea is anathema to the Special
Relationship. Loyal citizens rallied behind the embassy, some humorously
asserting that microwaving is the epitome of American tea-making prowess.
A Battle Beyond Borders: Social Media Echoes with Tea Debates
The battleground expanded to social media, where the UK Cabinet Office
staunchly defended the sanctity of kettles, asserting that the national drink can only be made
using this venerable vessel. The comment section brewed with opinions, some
defending the American way of microwaving, while others deemed it a crime
worthy of banishment to Boston Harbor.
In response, to the statement put out by the US Embassy in the UK: We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly…Tea can only be made using a kettle. https://t.co/Jt5xWKYRkT
— Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) January 24, 2024
Even tea companies couldn’t resist the urge to steep into the
discourse. Yorkshire Tea didn’t quite know what to think of it all after
reading the comments section. Though someone certainly upset their Twitter
admin. The debate raged on, reminiscent of more serious historical controversies.
*Puts down pitchfork**Reads to the bottom**Picks up pitchfork*
— Yorkshire Tea (@YorkshireTea) January 24, 2024
Beyond the Cup: Tea’s Enduring Legacy of Debates
Tea, it seems, is not just a beverage; it’s a cultural battleground.
From Francl’s chemistry-infused rebellion to the embassy’s microwaving bravado,
the debate echoes through time. Milk first or last? Milk at all? Scones with
jam and cream? Enthusiasts continue to grapple with these dilemmas, ensuring
the legacy of the beloved brew remains alive and thriving.
Funnily enough, Francl’s book is on sale through the British Royal Society of Chemistry. Do we smell a traitor?
This article was written by Louis Parks at www.financemagnates.com.
