Scientists unveil formula for a great cup of tea

Six minutes to a perfect chai

The secret of serving a perfect cup of tea could lie in a mathematical formula. According to this formula for the ideal brew, it's best to drink a cup of tea exactly six minutes after it's made. The team of researchers from the University of Northumbria, UK, who were commissioned by a milk company, spent 180 hours in the lab testing brewing methods and a panel of volunteers consumed 285 cups of tea. "When enjoying a cup of tea, our palette requires a balance between bitterness and sweetness," said senior lecturer Ian Brown, a food and nutrition expert in the university's School of Life Sciences and lead researcher. "Our findings show that 10 ml is the preferred amount of milk for our cuppas, due to its ability to balance natural bitterness and allow a smoother taste sensation," he added. FINER POINTS TO A GREAT CUPPA The optimum brewing time is two minutes and the ideal amount of milk is 10ml The perfect drinking temperature of 60 degrees Celsius is achieved six minutes later — but after 17 minutes and 30 seconds the tea will be past its best as it falls below 45 degrees Celsius MATHEMATICS IN THE KITCHEN Here's the formula the scientists have come up with: TB + (H2O at 100 degrees centigrade) 2mins BT + C (10ml) 6mins BT = PC (at OT 60 degrees centigrade). TB means tea bag, BT is brewing time, C is milk, PC means perfect cuppa, and OT stands for optimum temperature. The perfect drinking temperature of 60C is achieved six minutes later — but after 17 minutes and 30 seconds the tea will be past its best as it falls below 45C, they said.

TIME WISE: Tea is best when brewed for only two minutes

SIPPING DELIGHT: Scientists suggest 10 ml milk for a perfect cup