A new study by the British Science Association claims that most Britons do not know how to make the perfect cup of tea. The research, which surveyed 1,000 participants, found that 80 per cent of tea drinkers fail to let their tea brew for long enough.
Tea experts recommend brewing tea for two to five minutes, but only 16 per cent of Brits adhere to this. The study also suggests using a teapot instead of a tea bag, as it allows convection currents to swirl the leaves fully through the water.
The age-old debate of whether to add tea or milk first has been settled. Scientists say it depends on the vessel: milk should be added after boiling water if using a mug, but if brewing in a pot, it is acceptable to add milk to the cup first.
Mark Miodownik, professor of materials and society at University College London, said: “This may be controversial, but the British do not understand how to make tea. Expediency is causing us to throw chemistry out of the window.”
The study also found that more than three quarters of Brits drink tea daily, with English Breakfast being the most popular. Around 91 per cent prefer milk without sugar from a ceramic mug, and scientists claim the best drinking temperature is 65°C.
