Like many serious steepers, certified tea master Chas Kroll doesn’t think mugs belong anywhere near a microwave.
“Tea made with microwaved water is bitter, flat and lacks the finer tastes and aromas produced by proper brewing,” he said, calling it a “novice” mistake.
As for zapping the actual tea bag or leaves? Pure insani-tea, say lovers of loose leaf.
But some scientists beg to differ.
Sure, a microwaved cuppa may be amateurish, bland, and tainted by the scent of leftovers — but it could also be healthier than traditionally-steeped tea.
Australian researchers first made the case for nuking tea, bag and all, in 2012. They found that you can eke out about 30 percent more of green tea’s antioxidants when you let it steep for 30 seconds, then zap it for a minute (as opposed to simply steeping your tea for 2 minutes).
Their findings heated up again last month when the lead character on the UK show “Broadchurch” microwaved his tea, outraging Brits.
The reason for the health boost: Microwaves apply both heat and pressure, which help to extract antioxidants from plants (here, tea leaves), said the study’s lead author, University of Newcastle in Australia food scientist Quan Vuong.
But going to such lengths for a tiny perk probably isn’t worth the hassle, said Lisa Sasson, clinical associate professor of nutrition at NYU.
Though green tea is healthy for you, simply drinking it really strong is “absolutely, positively not” going to make a real difference, Sasson said. “If anyone tells you that, it’s ridiculous.”
People should only drink tea if they like tea, she added — and even the study author admits that most people won’t like the microwaved stuff.
“Certain people who love a strong cup of tea can enjoy the taste,” Vuong told the Post. “However, most people would not like it very much. My suggestion is to add a bit of sugar and lime, or milk; these things would balance the taste.”
When it comes down to the choice between getting more nutrients or better flavor, Chris Cason, tea sommelier and co-founder of the New Jersey-based tea company Tavalon Tea, says it’s like any healthy habit.
“If you don’t like going to the gym, you’re not going to keep going to the gym—and if the flavor of your tea is greatly diminished, you’re not going to drink it, and then you won’t get any of the nutrients,” Cason said.
He boiled it down thusly: “Find a tea you like, and just make it the right way.”
So much for all the brew-haha.