A controversy has been stirred between the UK and US over the perfect cup of tea, after an American professor suggested unconventional ingredients like salt and lemon.
Michelle Francl, a chemist from the US, published a book proposing that a "pinch of salt" and "squeeze of lemon" can enhance a cup of tea. This prompted a mock diplomatic spat between the two tea-loving nations.
The US embassy in London issued a tongue-in-cheek "clarification" stating that while the UK and US share a "sacred bond", salting tea is an "outrageous proposal" that threatens their special relationship.
"Tea is the elixir of camaraderie, a sacred bond that unites our nations. We cannot stand idly by as such an outrageous proposal threatens the very foundation of our special relationship," the statement read.
The embassy jokingly distanced itself from Francl's recipe, reassuring Britons that salted tea "is not the official United States policy. And never will be."
An important statement on the latest tea controversy. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/HZFfSCl9sD
— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) January 24, 2024
The mock diplomatic furor highlights the different tea traditions in the UK and US. Britons typically use a kettle to brew tea, while Americans often microwave water instead.
Francl also addressed the controversial practice of adding milk to tea, advising that milk should be warmed first and poured after the tea to prevent curdling.
For most Brits, mixing salt, lemon and milk in tea would be unthinkable. However, dashes of lemon or salt are used in some Asian tea preparations like Kashmiri noon chai.
The light-hearted transatlantic tiff has amused netizens, sparking good-humored debate on social media. It demonstrates how seriously the two allies take their tea, even if their preparation methods may differ.
While the perfect cup of tea remains subjective, the uproar shows tea's ability to both divide and unite across borders. Perhaps the shared love of a hot brew is the real sacred bond binding the US and UK.
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