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Tea is among the topmost consumed drinks in the world and each region has their own recipe for brewing this hearty beverage. Recently, this beverage has become a hot topic of discussion after a US professor shared an advice on how to make a perfect cup of tea. Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor from Bryn Mawr College in the United States suggested adding a pinch of salt to the cups of tea.
The tip can be found in Francl’s recently published book called “Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea”. The book was launched by the Royal Society of Chemistry on Wednesday. This suggestion was not taken positively by tea lovers in Britain and has created a controversy. Since tea is the national drink of the United Kingdom, they have called the piece of advice to be an “outrageous proposal that threatens the bond between the two nations.”
Amid the uproar, the US Embassy in London had to step in to calm the situation. "Today's media reports of an American Professor's recipe for the "perfect" cup of tea has landed our special bond with the United Kingdom in hot water," the US Embassy said in a statement. "Tea is the elixir of camaraderie, a sacred bond that unites our nations. We cannot stand idly by such an outrageous proposal that threatens the very foundation of our special relationship," the statement further added.
The US Embassy reassured through a social media post that "Pinch of salt in a cup of tea is not their official policy and never will be. They will make the tea proper way - by microwaving it." In response to the post, the Cabinet Office of the UK government said, "We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly...Tea must be only made using a kettle".
The conflict between the nations over a cup of tea is gaining a lot of attention on social media. While the UK and US are fighting over this issue, Indians, especially Kashmiris are busy enjoying an age-old tea which is prepared with the very ingredient that causes the controversy. Noon chai also known as Kashmiri tea or pink tea is brewed with gunpowder tea, milk, soda and salt. It is believed to have originated from the Himalayas and the locals relish it with every meal.
Here is an easy noon chai recipe you can make at home:
Noon Chai Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 whole cinnamon
- 4-5 cardamom
- 1 star anise
- chopped almond, pista
- dried rose petals
Method
- In a medium pan heat 2 cups water and add spices, tea leaves, salt and baking soda. Allow it to boil until reduced to half.
- Next add 2 more cups of water and allow it to boil for another 10 minutes.
- Repeat the same process for another 10 minutes. Then pour in milk along with chopped nuts and let it boil for 5 more minutes.
- Garnish with rose petals and enjoy.
