Salt in your tea? The science-backed secret to a smoother brew

Not sugar and not lemon, but a pinch of salt is the addition that should appear in your cup of tea. Why? Is it a solution for those bored with traditional flavours?

Are you a black tea connoisseur looking for a way to enhance its taste? Try adding salt. Although this idea might not make the best initial impression, it actually helps achieve the perfect brew, as science confirms.

It's hard to shake the feeling that salting tea is a bad idea, but science says otherwise. In her book Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea, chemistry professor Michelle Francl, associated with Bryn Mawr College in the United States, suggested adding a small amount of salt to tea, which could positively affect the drink's taste.

- The sodium blocks the bitter receptors. So if you put a tiny bit of salt in – not enough to taste – you make the cup of tea or coffee smoother and less bitter – explained Prof. Michelle Francl in an interview with "The Times."

Salting tea will be even more effective when dealing with a robust and long-brewed drink with an intense flavour. The researcher also added that a small amount of the seasoning, unlike sugar or lemon juice, will not be noticeable. Moreover, the publication reveals that salting tea is not a new concept. It turns out that the Book of Tea by Lu Yu from the 8th century (the first comprehensive work devoted to the history, cultivation, and drinking of tea created by the Chinese writer and poet known as the "tea sage") contains recommendations for regularly adding salt to a cup of tea. Interestingly, Prof. Michelle Francl's recommendations caused a wave of outrage in the United Kingdom. The US embassy in London also responded to it.

Thanks to its characteristic components, black tea offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. Regular consumption of black tea may also reduce bad cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

Black tea contains caffeine, which can help increase alertness and improve concentration. Additionally, research has shown that black tea can benefit digestive health and support maintaining a healthy weight. Therefore, it is worth including black tea as a valuable element of a balanced diet.