Scientist Says 'Add Salt to Make the Perfect Cup of Tea'

Which scientist has proposed adding salt to tea?

A scientist named Professor Michelle Francl in the US says adding a little salt to tea can make it taste better. She says that salt serves as a blocker to the receptor responsible for making tea taste bitter. This will make tea less bitter without changing the flavour.

She wrote a book where she gives tips for making tea taste good. She says using loose tea leaves instead of tea bags and stirring one’s tea often for better absorption with water and milk.

She also says adding a bit of lemon juice can remove foam on top. She says it's not good to boil water for tea in a microwave because it's not healthy and makes the tea taste bad. These are some things she suggests. 

Her book has sparked an online argument.

What debate has her book started?

Professor Michelle Francl’s new book is causing arguments online between Americans and the British about making tea. Even the US Embassy in London and the UK's Cabinet Office are talking about it.

The US Embassy in London says it's crazy to add salt to tea, and they won't do it. They'll keep making tea by microwaving it.

The UK Cabinet Office agrees with the US Embassy about not adding salt, but they say tea should only be made with a kettle.

So, will this debate between the US Embassy and the UK’s Cabinet Office cause any harm?

Nope, they were just joking! It's okay if one likes salt in their tea or not. After all, there’s no need to fight over personal preferences.

But jokes can be fun! They make everyone happy and laugh. We all need a good laugh sometimes.

Do you drink tea? Would you want to add salt to your tea? Let us know in the comments!