Good Lifestyle

Published by the British scientific entity ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY , the book " Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea ”(Infused: The Chemistry of Tea, free translation) of a researcher and chemistry teacher gave the talk. In his work, Michelle Franl, a teacher at Bryn Mawr College, suggests that tea lovers put a pinch of salt in the drink so that it is less bitter.

“Although it may seem strange, the idea of adding a pinch of salt to tea to reduce bitterness is rooted in science. Sodium ion is a key element of salt and interacts with the chemical mechanism that produces the perception of bitter taste, ”said the author in a publication on the New Scientist website.

In his book, Michelle recommends adding a amount of salt that won't change the taste but make tea look less bitter. In addition, she argues that tea preparation should be done in a preheated pan, shaking the vigorously tea sachet for a little time and serving it in a small, robust mug to keep the liquid heated.

Controversy

Despite knowing that his book would be read by English, as tea is one of the traditional Symbols of the United Kingdom, what the teacher and researcher did not expect to cause a controversy that would cross the ocean.

The British newspaper Good Morning Britain, for example, raised the issue in mockery. “According to a US expert, adding a pinch of salt is the solution to a perfect cup of tea. This looks like a crime, ”the newspaper published in X. Several netizens also had a bad reaction to Michelle's tip.

In the end, even the US embassy in London commented on the case, jokingly.

“Today's media news about the recipe of an American teacher for the 'perfect' tea cup put our special bond with the United Kingdom. […] Therefore, we want to guarantee to the good people of the UK that the unthinkable idea of adding salt to the national drink of Britain is not the official policy of the United States. And it will never be, ”the US embassy began.

"The US embassy will continue to make tea properly-in the microwave," he joked, referring to the idea that Americans are terrible tea drinkers.

Author's response

In response to all this repercussion, Michelle Franl published a humorous text on New Scientist. In the post, she said it is not so common that a scientist inspires a tweet Viral of the US embassy in London, the author says she is pleased to see the reactions of chemicals like her and the general public who has tested her tips and approved them.

According to Michelle, her book is a work of love, as she has been drinking tea for a lifetime and read more than 500 scientific articles about tea to write the work, and do her own research. In addition to the pinch of salt, the book also tries to bring answers to old questions, such as the ways with which sugar and spices can affect the quality of tea, if tea is really addictive and how much difference makes the use of a teapot.

“A fun reflection for me is that, in the end, for certain people, it seems that tradition will always overcome science. I know that some, like Good Morning Britain's presenters, can never accept some of the tips - in their eyes, I'm guilty of the heinous tea crimes: being from the US, ”he wrote.

The author concludes by saying that she expects her book to inspire curious people to learn more and be interested in chemistry.