Scientist Dr Quan Vuong, from the University of Newcastle, Australia, insists that blasting your cuppa for 30 seconds AFTER adding hot water from the kettle produced a “healthier” and tastier drink.
He published his study in 2012, but the paper has come back into the public spotlight after David Tennant’s “dodgy” microwaving technique in Broadchurch.
The popular ITV crime drama showed David stirring his cuppa before putting it in the microwave, during a tense conversation with his colleague Olivia Coleman.
As she asked her boss: “Are you really going to drink that disgusting stewed tea?” the nation echoed her sentiments, wondering what on earth the script writers were thinking.
Now the debate is hotting up, as ABC News re-published Dr Quan's claims.
Tea fans are less than impressed with the advice, although one Twitter user tried the technique - and agrees that it really does enhance the flavour.
Microwave.....TEA! What kind of madness are we faced with now. pic.twitter.com/b3nS3wxCU5
— K Stylianides (@sillystilly) April 11, 2017
Imagine thinking you loved someone and then finding out they make tea in the microwave
— kati (@_katimcdonald) April 2, 2017
I love tea in all its nuances, but ultimately I'm no elitist. However, absolutely do not microwave your tea you irredeemable monsters.
— Philip (@Phil_osophy2011) April 11, 2017
This is disgraceful but like any good scientist I tried it and the tea was outrageously tasty. https://t.co/NMOkzOxKyG
— Andrew White (@andrewwhiteau) April 11, 2017
After studying both green and black tea, Dr Quan found that zapping the cuppa activated 80 per cent of the caffeine and other molecules available AND generated the best taste.
One of these compounds, polyphenol, is an antioxidant thought to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart problems, diabetes and hypertension.
The other, an amino acid called theanine, promotes relaxation.
To unlock the hot drink's full health benefits you should be sipping three or more cups every day, and can use either tea bags or loose leaves.
Dr Quan Voung's technique
1. Put hot water in the cup with your teabag
2. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds, on half power
3. Remove tea bag and add milk as normal
4. Leave to sit for one minute
5. Drink and enjoy your ‘healthier and tastier’ cuppa
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