War Over Tea

It is after all just tea. Can a war break out between 2 countries? That too between USA and England? 

There was already a problem with USA and England. On December 16, 1773, Boston citizens, angry over imposing taxation without representation, dumped several bags of tea imported by British East India Company into the harbor. That was called “The Boston Tea Party”. This was the first major act of defiance to the British rule by the Americans. This rallied the Americans to fight for independence from the British. 

Americans did not get independence from the British. They kicked the British out of their country and declared independence. 

Now another brouhaha is happening over tea between USA and England. A Chemistry Professor in USA advised adding a pinch of salt to cups of tea. She also encouraged drinkers to steep their tea quickly by dunking and squeezing the bags. 

Her name is Michelle Francl. She said “But even after all these years of drinking tea and researching chemistry, I learned new things about what is in my cup and how to make the very best cup of tea.” 

She writes that sodium helps to block a chemical reaction that makes tea taste bitter, and claims squeezing teabags reduces “sour-tasting tannins.” 

Her ideas have sparked uproar in England. The US Embassy in London has to distance itself from this research. 

UK Government responded: “We appreciate our Special Relationship, however, we must disagree wholeheartedly... Tea can only be made using a kettle.” 

The US Embassy made a statement: “The US Embassy will continue to make tea in the proper way — by microwaving it.” 

And for now, World War 3 between these two friendly countries was avoided.