For centuries, tea lovers have debated a critical question: to add milk or not? While some swear by the creamy richness that milk brings to their brew, others prefer to savour the pure, unaltered flavours of the tea itself.
However, does milk enhance or dilute the tea-drinking experience? And are there hidden health benefits, or drawbacks, lurking in that splash of dairy? Let’s steep ourselves in the science, tradition, and taste to uncover whether milk is a must or just an extra.
According to The Curator, milky tea has been a practice in India for centuries, with the origins traced back to the Dutch delegation in 1655 who served tea with milk and salt. The publication explains that in the 1680s, Madame de Sevigne served black tea with milk and sugar, and it became common in Britain in the 18th century.
Milk was added to tea to preserve its taste and to reduce the temperature of infusions in European salons, states the above-mentioned source. Be that as it may, The Curator publication claims that “Adding milk dulls the overall flavour of the tea and eliminates the more subtle, nuanced aromas you get in good quality tea. If you do choose to add milk to tea though, the best teas to choose are fully-oxidised black teas from the Camellia Sinensis var. Assamica variety of the tea plant is known for its more robust body and flavour profile, which will hold up better with the addition of milk.”
The Samaara Tea publication claims that milk proteins in tea can enhance antioxidant activity, improve heart health, aid weight management, and enhance taste and appreciation for tea’s unique flavours. However, the publication states that milk can mask the subtle flavours and aromas of different teas, making it difficult to appreciate their unique characteristics.
It is further mentioned that drinking tea without milk provides a purer form of hydration, allowing for water balance and better focus and energy. It is also believed to lower calorie intake, making it beneficial for weight management and maintaining a healthy diet. Additionally, the above source claims that tea without milk can help reduce cavities and improve oral health by inhibiting bacteria growth.
Also see: What if you replaced your daily coffee cravings with green tea?
