A scientist’s guide to life: How to make the perfect cup of tea

A scientist’s guide to life: How to make the perfect cup of tea

Avoid disposable Styrofoam cups. They will absorb some flavour compounds and affect the taste of what you’re drinking. If you’re on the go, opt for reusable cups made from inert materials like ceramic or glass or ceramic mugs made from ceramics or glass.

Psychology

There’s a huge amount of psychology involved in the way we perceive taste.

Need to know…

If you use reusable cups, opt for ones made from ceramic or glass

Milk or hot tea first?

If you’re making tea in a mug, add the milk after the tea, at the last possible moment before drinking, so the tea stays as hot as possible for as long as possible.

Water quality is important

If the water is too soft and doesn’t contain any minerals, the tea can taste soapy

Non-dairy milk is also good

Oat milk tends to have a good flavour profile for mixing with teas and coffees.

Loose leaf gives more flavour than tea bags

Leaves have more space to move around and distribute flavour

Let it brew.

Most people let their tea brew for around two minutes, but five minutes is ideal. It’s too hot to drink before then anyway, and the extra time means your tea will have more flavour and antioxidants.

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