Two centuries and a half after the American Revolution ignited tensions over tea, a new diplomatic dispute has emerged between the United States and Britain, centered around the beloved beverage.
The British media has erupted in both anger and bewilderment following the claim made by a U.S. scientist that the perfect cup of tea involves adding a pinch of salt.
Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, who has authored a book delving into the molecular science behind a quality cup of tea, asserts that the addition of salt is crucial to mitigate the bitterness of the drink.
This suggestion has triggered a vehement response on social media from Brits, known for their strong opinions about the best brewing practices. Legal journalist Molly Quell expressed her astonishment on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I guess we are going to war again?” British comedian Matt Green questioned, “What is going on over there?”
Francl defended her seemingly unconventional idea to CNN affiliate ITV News, explaining, “It turns out that a tiny amount of salt, not enough to even taste, blocks the perception of bitterness.”
As tensions across the Atlantic escalated, the U.S. Embassy in the UK stepped in to distance itself from the seemingly radical idea, further heating up the situation.
“We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our Special Relationship,” declared the embassy in a viral X post. “We want to ensure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable notion of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not official United States policy. And never will be,” it added.
Francl found little sympathy in the British press, which took her suggestion with more than a pinch of salt. The Guardian reported, “A scientist from the country where you can find tea being made with lukewarm water from the tap claims to have found the recipe for a perfect cuppa.” The Daily Mail added, “Professor Francl insisted her findings were solid, despite coming from a country where tea plays second fiddle to coffee – and is usually served iced.”
Amid the heated debate, only time will reveal if the U.S. Embassy’s response will be sufficient to calm the waters. In the meantime, the embassy humorously declared that it “will continue to make tea in the proper way – by microwaving it.”
This unexpected clash over the art of brewing tea harks back to historical tensions, reminding the world that even the most seemingly innocuous matters can become subjects of diplomatic discourse between nations.
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