Proof Can Science Brew a Better Cup of Tea?
Apr 24, 2025
Join Jane Pettigrew, a celebrated tea historian and educator, as she dives into the fascinating world of tea. She details the history of loose-leaf tea versus teabags and shares insights on how different regions shape the flavors we love. Explore practical tips for brewing the perfect cup, including the benefits of filtered water and the art of leaf agitation. Plus, chemist Michelle Fransel reveals the surprising science behind microwaving tea and the unorthodox trick of adding salt to enhance flavor. Get ready for a brew-tiful conversation!
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Kettle Boil As Domestic Ritual
- Jerome Campbell describes the kettle's boil as a comforting signal that tea is coming and a small, daily joy.
- He links family ritual to the sensory excitement of a cup, framing tea as a meaningful domestic practice.
Family Rules Define A Perfect Cup
- Jerome recounts family rules for making tea, including exact milk and sugar measures and grandma's picky standards.
- He frames his dad as the family expert whose tea evokes childhood and earns grandma's rare approval.
Loose Leaf Unlocks Nuanced Flavors
- Jane Pettigrew prefers loose leaf for wider flavor options and measures tea carefully using scales and filtered water.
- She pours from height to oxygenate and unfurl leaves, treating brewing as a refined ritual.