The recipe for how to make the best tea has led to banter between two Western allies, the United States and the United Kingdom.
This is due to a claim by an American scientist, Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College, that a pinch of salt should be added to make the perfect cup of tea.
The US embassy in London swung into action to save the day by disowning the scientist in a post on X.
He said the report has put his special bond with the UK into trouble.
“Tea is the elixir of camaraderie, a sacred bond that unites our nations. “We cannot stand idly by while such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundations of our Special Relationship,” the embassy said.
He described the scientist’s salt recipe as an unthinkable notion, noting that it is not official US policy and never will be. However, he joked to the UK that the best way to make tea is in the microwave.
“Let us unite in our deep solidarity and show the world that when it comes to tea, we are one. “The US embassy will continue to prepare tea the proper way: in the microwave,” he stated.
The UK Cabinet Office agreed to the “special relationship” but disagreed with the use of a microwave to make tea.
“We appreciate our special relationship, however, we must strongly disagree…Tea can only be prepared using a teapot.”
The UK has a great tea culture. According to global tea culture, the Dutch introduced tea to the British in the 17th century and the country has remained in love with tea ever since.
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In the 1650s, tea was imported to England and began to appear in coffeehouses. It became even more popular thanks to King Charles II and his wife Catherine of Braganza of Portugal. Tea drinking was very popular among the port nobility and the port city of Bombay was part of Catherine’s dowry. This had a great impact on the development of the British Empire and the history of India.
Since then, the United Kingdom has built its own tea culture with its afternoon tea ceremony.
The UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA) once revealed that 84 percent of the UK population drinks tea every day, adding that around 100 million cups of tea are consumed daily.