A US scientist has urged Britons to experiment with their cuppa by adding an unusual ingredient to improve its taste – not milk or sugar, but salt. Professor Michelle Francl, based in the US, conducted research showing that a pinch of salt can enhance tea's flavour by blocking bitter receptors.
The Science Behind the Salt
Professor Francl explained that adding a small amount of table salt neutralises the drink's inherent bitterness. "It is not like adding sugar," she told the BBC. "I think people are afraid they will be able to taste the salt." Her research culminated in the book 'Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea', published by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
She added: "It is OK to experiment. I did experiments in my kitchen for this – channel your inner scientist." Despite her recommendation, the US Embassy posted on X: "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."
Additional Tips for the Perfect Brew
The professor offered other advice: use loose leaves instead of tea bags, stir constantly to ensure proper contact with water and milk, and add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice to eliminate film on the surface. She also emphasised the importance of the mug: short, stout mugs maintain temperature better. Pre-warming the mug and milk, and adding milk only after pouring the tea, are also recommended.
One practice she cautioned against was heating water in the microwave. "It's less healthy and it does not taste as good. You end up getting tea scum forming on the surface, and that scum contains some of the antioxidants and taste compounds," she explained.
Professor Francl ultimately praised the UK for its high-quality brews. "I know when I land I can get a great cup of tea. It is good to have that common ground," she said.
