In the sanctified world of tea, where traditions are sacred and deviations are sacrilege, Professor Michelle Francl from Bryn Mawr College in the U.S. has dared to stir the pot.

Professor Francl’s book, "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea," unveils her audacious recipe for the elusive perfect cuppa. Brace yourself; it involves a pinch of salt to tame the notorious bitterness of black tea.

A Pinch of Salt, a Squeeze of Lemon

Francl's rebellious guidebook throws caution to the wind. Salt becomes the unsung hero, countering the bitterness that has been an inseparable part of black tea since time immemorial. To combat the unsightly "scum" that may tarnish your tea's surface, a daring squeeze of lemon is suggested. A chemistry professor meddling with tea? The audacity!

A Diplomatic Brew-haha

In the serene universe of tea, tranquility was shattered when the US Embassy in London found itself embroiled in a Twitter tiff over Francl's unconventional recipe. In a biting statement, the Embassy stood its ground, dismissing Francl's innovations and affirming its allegiance to the microwave as the rightful tea-making vessel.

An important statement on the latest tea controversy. 🇺🇸🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/HZFfSCl9sD

— U.S. Embassy London (@USAinUK) January 24, 2024

The verdict? Adding salt to tea is anathema to the Special Relationship. Loyal citizens rallied behind the embassy, some humorously asserting that microwaving is the epitome of American tea-making prowess.

A Battle Beyond Borders: Social Media Echoes with Tea Debates

The battleground expanded to social media, where the UK Cabinet Office staunchly defended the sanctity of kettles, asserting that the national drink can only be made using this venerable vessel. The comment section brewed with opinions, some defending the American way of microwaving, while others deemed it a crime worthy of banishment to Boston Harbor.

In response, to the statement put out by the US Embassy in the UK:

We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly...

Tea can only be made using a kettle. https://t.co/Jt5xWKYRkT

— Cabinet Office (@cabinetofficeuk) January 24, 2024

Even tea companies couldn't resist the urge to steep into the discourse. Yorkshire Tea didn’t quite know what to think of it all after reading the comments section. Though someone certainly upset their Twitter admin. The debate raged on, reminiscent of more serious historical controversies.

*Puts down pitchfork*

*Reads to the bottom*

*Picks up pitchfork*

— Yorkshire Tea (@YorkshireTea) January 24, 2024

Beyond the Cup: Tea's Enduring Legacy of Debates

Tea, it seems, is not just a beverage; it's a cultural battleground. From Francl's chemistry-infused rebellion to the embassy's microwaving bravado, the debate echoes through time. Milk first or last? Milk at all? Scones with jam and cream? Enthusiasts continue to grapple with these dilemmas, ensuring the legacy of the beloved brew remains alive and thriving.

Funnily enough, Francl's book is on sale through the British Royal Society of Chemistry. Do we smell a traitor?