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The US Embassy in London had to correct comments from an American chemist who encouraged tea drinkers to add salt to their cups. Illustrative photo.
INTERNATIONAL – Drink your tea according to the rules of the art. The advice of an American chemistry professor who claims to have found the perfect recipe for making tea has alarmed the American embassy in London. After drinking and experimenting with the drink for several years, Michelle Francl says the secret is adding a pinch of salt to the cup.
According to his research, sodium helps block a chemical reaction that makes tea taste bitter. In addition, on her social networks and in her latest book, she encourages people to squeeze tea bags to reduce “bitter-tasting tannins,” writes The Standard. And these conclusions are no coincidence: the chemist claims to have analyzed dozens of studies and ancient texts dating back more than 1,000 years to come to this observation.
“We cannot stand idly by”
Concerned about the impact of such statements on its diplomatic relations, the American Embassy in London was forced to respond this Wednesday, January 24th. “We cannot stand idly by in the face of such an outrageous proposal that threatens the foundation of our special relationship,” she said in a comical statement posted on Twitter. “We would like to reassure the good people of the UK that the unthinkable idea of adding salt to Britain’s national drink is not part of official US policy,” she also corrects.
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Still in a humorous tone, the government then solemnly affirms: “When it comes to tea, we are one,” before concluding: “The US Embassy will continue to prepare tea the way it must be, namely in the Microwave.” A second sacrilege for the British, because it is of course advisable to heat the water in a kettle or, if that is not possible, in a pot.
“Add this grain of salt and see!” »
The American chemist then spoke out on Twitter. “Who would have thought that my book about tea would cause such a storm that the American embassy would have to intervene? “, she is surprised, before replying: “Add this grain of salt and make this tea in the microwave and see!” “.
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One last piece of information for tea drinkers: Michelle Francl claims to have found the solution for a milk tea without the “curdled” effect. It should then be poured directly into the tea after it has been heated. Finally, the chemist tested all possible accessories for brewing her tea: the winner was the largest possible tea bag so that the leaves could expand properly.
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