Should You Add Salt to Tea? Exploring The Surprising Trend

Tea is enjoyed worldwide and in various forms but adding salt to it remains a great debate among tea lovers. The new trend was first introduced by Michelle Francl, a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College in her new book. She presents salt as a simple ingredient that can offset the tea’s bitterness.

Tea is a primary part of British culture so this trend quickly gained momentum as the British opposed the idea, labelling it a contentious change to tea tradition. Despite the British backlash against an American proposing such a change to their beloved tradition, tea experts like etiquette guru Myka Meier and Peter F. Goggi from the Tea Association of the U.S. acknowledges the flexibility in tea consumption, emphasising that personal taste should ultimately dictate one's tea-preparation preferences.

How Much Salt Should be Added to a Cup of Tea?

Francl suggests adding table salt to tea to counteract the bitterness of the drink. However, she also highlights that salt cannot be added in great amounts like sugar. So, if you consider testing out this new trend, it is imperative that you use the right amount of salt.

According to Francl, that is a pinch of salt. Although this makes a tiny amount, it is just enough for the salt to perform the intended role, lowering the bitterness of the drink.

Why Does Salt Make Tea Less Bitter?

When added to tea, salt acts as a blocker to the receptor which makes the drink bitter, especially when it has been steeped for a while. However, by adding just a pinch of salt, you won’t be able shouldn’t be able to taste the salt.

Francl shares some handy tricks for crafting an ideal cup of tea every time. Swap tea bags for loose leaves, and make sure to stir constantly to let the tea mix well with the water and milk. Additionally, a tiny squeeze of lemon juice can help eliminate any unsightly "scum" that might appear on the surface of your drink.

Embracing Innovation in Tea Culture

In conclusion, the debate over whether to add salt to tea highlights the dynamic nature of tea culture and the willingness of enthusiasts to explore new flavors and techniques. While traditionalists may balk at the idea, the evolving landscape of tea consumption encourages experimentation and adaptation. Whether you choose to embrace this trend or stick to tradition, the beauty of tea lies in its versatility and the endless possibilities it offers for personalization. So, whether you prefer your tea with a pinch of salt or steeped in tradition, raise your cup and toast to the rich tapestry of tea culture that continues to surprise and delight enthusiasts around the world.