Is Anyone Drinking the 'New' Tea?

W

Wes

Member
Location
southern california
Has anyone added a dash of salt to their tea lately? Heard the suggestion that it reduces the 'bitter' flavor of the drink. What is your experience?
 

Adding salt to tea is a practice found in various cultures and has been around for centuries. Whether it "improves" the taste or not is quite subjective and depends on individual preferences and the type of tea.

Reasons for adding salt:
  • Reducing bitterness: Some claim that a pinch of salt can balance out the astringent or bitter notes in certain teas, especially green, black, or aged teas. It's said to enhance the natural sweetness and umami flavors.
  • Mineral enrichment: Adding salt, depending on the type, can slightly increase the sodium content and potentially contribute some additional minerals.
  • Cultural tradition: In some cultures, like Tibet, Mongolia, and parts of China, adding salt to tea is a traditional practice often accompanied by milk or butter.
Considerations:
  • Type of tea: The impact of salt will vary depending on the type of tea. Darker, fermented teas like pu-erh might benefit more from a salty contrast than delicate green teas.
  • Amount matters: Using a very small amount, like a pinch, is key. Too much salt can easily overpower the subtle flavors of tea and make it unpleasantly salty.
  • Personal preference: Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy salt in your tea is a matter of personal taste. Some find it enhances the experience, while others dislike the additional savory notes.
  • Adding salt does have a slight impact on taste perception, and some individuals may find it reduces bitterness and enhances sweetness.
  • However, studies also show that individual sensitivity to salt varies greatly, and the perceived benefits might not be universal.

It's definitely worth trying a sprinkle of salt in your tea, especially if you find it a bit too bitter, to see if you enjoy the taste difference. Remember to start with a very small amount and adjust to your preference.


Ultimately, tea is a personal drink, and the best way to enjoy it is the way you like it!
 
hearlady said:
I can't seem to get the Bigelow Vanilla Chai strong enough. It gets dark but not strong. I like Tazo chai but it's not as easily found.
Click to expand...
I microwave mine with the tea bag in the water for two or two and a half minutes. I might let the tea sit a couple of minutes after that. Sometimes it seems a little too strong. I notice with my green tea that sometimes it seems stronger than others and I make it the same way each time. I wonder if it has to do with how much tea is actually in each of those teabags. :unsure:
 
I haven't tried adding salt to tea. I'm on a salt restricted diet so I can't add a lot of salt. I wonder how much salt changes the bitterness. I mostly drink Bigalow Earl Grey tea. I don't drink a lot of tea because of the bitterness. I wonder if there is anything else to add to tea. I've used honey and almond milk which also change the taste.
 
OneEyedDiva said:
I microwave mine with the tea bag in the water for two or two and a half minutes. I might let the tea sit a couple of minutes after that. Sometimes it seems a little too strong. I notice with my green tea that sometimes it seems stronger than others and I make it the same way each time. I wonder if it has to do with how much tea is actually in each of those teabags. :unsure:
Click to expand...
I make it the same way in the microwave. Could just be my mood. Also, it just may be the vanilla version. Or both.
 
Ruthanne said:
I haven't tried adding salt to tea. I'm on a salt restricted diet so I can't add a lot of salt. I wonder how much salt changes the bitterness. I mostly drink Bigalow Earl Grey tea. I don't drink a lot of tea because of the bitterness. I wonder if there is anything else to add to tea. I've used honey and almond milk which also change the taste.
Click to expand...
Are you restricted for salt because you have high blood pressure? I was advised by my doctor to reduce caffeine in my diet because it contributes to high blood pressure as much as salt does.
 
I love salt. I love tea. Never the twain shall meet. Who on earth would put salt in a mug of tea? That's just as dumb as putting a lot of toppings on a cheese pizza. Using beer for a shampoo. Eating a hamburger made from plants, and not beef. 🍕 :LOL:
 
Uh... no. I don't salt much of anything any longer... got out of the habit many years ago and never went back. And I haven't missed it, not once. There *are* some good salt substitutes, but I don't even use them now because I don't like the taste. 🧂
 
Don't know much about "old" tea, never mind new tea. I'm not a tea drinker, but for some reason I love tea at Chinese restaurants. Could never make it at home. I even bought those little handleless cups, not the same. :confused:
 
Wes said:
Has anyone added a dash of salt to their tea lately? Heard the suggestion that it reduces the 'bitter' flavor of the drink. What is your experience?
Click to expand...
1/4 Teaspoon baking soda in a gallon of black tea gets rid of the bitter taste as well!
 
Wes said:
Has anyone added a dash of salt to their tea lately? Heard the suggestion that it reduces the 'bitter' flavor of the drink. What is your experience?
Click to expand...
Nope. I drink fruity tea and add splenda.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top