Investigator Yann Bassaglia reminds us all that in 2003 the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) published its recommendation for the perfect way to make a cup of tea. (You may recall that, over the past decade or so, the subject has inspired many mighty battles in mini-AIR). Here is the RSC’s recipe:
How to make a Perfect Cup of Tea Ingredients: Loose-leaf Assam tea; soft water; fresh, chilled milk; white sugar.
Implements: Kettle; ceramic tea-pot; large ceramic mug; fine mesh tea strainer; tea
spoon, microwave oven.
Draw fresh, soft water and place in kettle and boil. Boil just the required quantity to avoid wasting time, water and power. While waiting for the water to boil place a ceramic tea pot containing a quarter of a cup of water in a microwave oven on full power for one minute.
Synchronise your actions so that you have drained the water from the microwaved pot at the same time that the kettle water boils.
Place one rounded teaspoon of tea per cup into the pot. Take the pot to the kettle as it is boiling, pour onto the leaves and stir. Leave to brew for three minutes. The ideal receptacle is a ceramic mug or your favourite personal mug.
Pour milk into the cup FIRST, followed by the tea, aiming to achieve a colour that is rich and attractive. Add sugar to taste.
Drink at between 60-65 degrees Centigrade to avoid vulgar slurping which results from trying to drink tea at too high a temperature.
