March 6th 2024.
It's a well-known fact that everyone has their own opinion on things. But there's one topic that seems to divide the nation more than any other - the perfect way to make a cup of tea. It's a subject that stirs up strong feelings in people, and once they find their preferred method, they're unlikely to change it. From the amount of milk to use, to the brewing time, and even the color of the tea, it's all up for debate among Brits.
But just when we thought the tea debate couldn't get any more heated, it was reignited by an unexpected source - Louis Walsh. The 71-year-old music mogul and former X Factor judge made his entrance into the Big Brother house on Monday, but before joining the show, he made a shocking confession about his tea-making technique. Despite the iconic phrase "put the kettle on," Louis admitted that he makes his tea in the microwave.
"I don't cook, like at all," he confessed. "I can only just make a cup of tea, and even then, I use the microwave." This revelation caused quite a stir, with viewers taking to social media to express their outrage. Even the official Big Brother UK account was tagged in one tweet that read, "Louis Walsh heats up his tea in the microwave, what the f**k." It seems that microwaving tea is considered a major faux pas by many, with one Reddit user even calling it a "sin."
But surprisingly, there are also some supporters of this unconventional method. One user shared, "I don't have a kettle at work, but I do have a microwave. I guess I'm a sinner? Don't care." Another user even went as far as to say, "Hot leaf water tastes exactly the same regardless of the heating method used."
While opinions may be divided on the microwave method, it turns out that there may be some scientific evidence to support it. In 2017, a researcher from the University of Newcastle in Australia claimed that microwaving black and green tea actually activates 80% of the caffeine, theanine, and polyphenol compounds, resulting in a tastier and healthier cup of tea.
But as with any good tea debate, there's always someone who disagrees. The British Standards Institution (BSI), known for their high standards of excellence, has finally answered the age-old question of how to make the perfect cup of tea. And surprise, surprise, their guidelines do not involve a microwave.
According to the BSI, the correct way to make tea is to use milk first, let the tea brew in a teapot, and not to pour hot water directly onto the tea bag in the mug. They also warn against the common mistake of adding milk to the cup before infusing the tea bag, as this can affect the temperature and flavor of the tea.
So, what is the BSI's perfect cup of tea recipe? First, you'll need a porcelain pot. Then, for every 100ml of water, use 2g of tea (which is conveniently the weight of an average tea bag). For a small pot, they recommend two bags, and for a large pot, four. Pour freshly boiled water into the pot, leaving about 4mm to 6mm of space below the brim. Then, put the lid back on the pot and let the tea diffuse for six minutes. If you like your tea with milk, pour it into the cup first before adding the tea. And finally, the water should be between 60°C and 85°C for the best flavor and sensation.
It seems that the perfect cup of tea will always be a hot topic of debate. But whether you prefer to use a microwave or follow the BSI's guidelines, one thing is for sure - a good cup of tea always brings people together. Do you have a tea-making story to share? We'd love to hear it! Get in touch by emailing us at [insert email address].
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