Gaby
The English, known for their love of tea, even believe that the practice of reheating it has split the nation into two groups. One group is concerned about this barbaric treatment of a beloved beverage, while the other takes it in stride.
The main argument from those who can’t stand reheating tea in the microwave is that the process affects the flavor and leads to uneven heat distribution in the cup.
To settle this debate once and for all, the Daily Mail reached out to Mark Miodownik, a professor of materials science at University College London.
According to the expert, the only thing worse than tea reheated in a microwave is the tea served on an airplane. “The main reason you shouldn’t reheat it is that it will taste bad. Microwave tea is terrible, just terrible,” Professor Miodownik stated.
He explained that the flavor of tea comes from flavonoids—natural compounds found in abundance in tea leaves. However, these compounds are extremely volatile, meaning they evaporate easily.
And what about the aforementioned tea on an airplane? Professor Miodownik believes that a combination of factors, such as low air pressure and dryness, reduces sensitivity to tastes and smells.
He also insists that you should brew your own tea in the office. “Never ask someone else to make you a cup of tea—it’s a surefire way to develop a dislike for your colleagues. If they make it poorly, not to your liking, you’ll end up resenting them,” the professor is convinced.
There Are Other Opinions on This Matter
Meanwhile, Professor Chris Budd from the University of Bath has also shared his thoughts on reheating tea in the microwave.
Professor Kuan Vuong, head of the Department of Food Science at Newcastle University, claims that “the recipe for the perfect cup of tea depends on your goals.”
For those seeking the healthiest tea, Professor Vuong offered an unusual recommendation: brew it for two to three minutes specifically in the microwave. In his view, “this method of preparing tea yields a high content of health-beneficial phytochemicals.”
Yet, most experts still agree that when tea has cooled down, it’s better to put the kettle back on the stove and brew a fresh cup.
