The Brits are pretty passionate about their tea, so one can only imagine their outrage when a US scientist recently came forward to claim that they had found the secret to creating the perfect cup: adding a pinch of salt. 

Tea purists everywhere have been clutching their kettles in horror at the suggestion. Milk? Yes. Honey, sugar, a squeeze of lemon? Perhaps. But salt? Utter sacrilege.

This international incident that could well see a reverse reenactment of the Boston Tea Party has been triggered by Michelle Francl, a professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania. Her actions have even led to the US Embassy in London releasing a somewhat tongue-in-cheek statement claiming that the professor’s recipe for the perfect cuppa had “landed our special bond with the United Kingdom in hot water”.

It does have to be said that the Americans are hardly world leaders in the hot drinks department. If you’ve ever tasted their coffee, you’ll know you’ve had warm cups of dirt that tasted better, and even Professor Francl admits that it’s common practice in the States to microwave water to make a cup of tea. But what can’t be denied is that the science here stacks up. 

Related story: The ultimate tea lover’s gift guide

Salt – just a pinch of it – will counteract the bitterness of the tea, ultimately making it taste better. If you follow the prof’s other tips of swift but vigorous dunking and squeezing of the tea bag (to reduce sour tannins); using a prewarmed short, stout mug to keep the tea hotter for longer (to increase caffeine, antioxidants and aromatics); and warming the milk before adding it – after the tea – to prevent it curdling; then you should find yourself with a mighty fine brew indeed.

This dyed-in-the-wool coffee drinker tried it, and found herself genuinely enjoying the first cup of tea in her life. 

I may not be a total convert, but I do raise my pinky in a salute to Professor Francl. If her actions end up setting off WWIII, I’ll be able to savour my last few days on earth relaxing with a nice warm cuppa. 

Related story: We just found out what flavour Allen’s orange snakes are and ssssseriously?