Tea with salt? American scientist's "outrageous proposal" leaves U.S.-U.K. relations in "hot water," embassy says

How do you take your tea? One lump of sugar, two or maybe some milk? Unless you're adding salt, one U.S. scientist says, your cup won't be perfect – a notion so controversial in the U.K. that even the American embassy is involved. 

Author and chemist Michelle Francl's push for salt in tea came to light with the release of her new book, "Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea," published Wednesday by the Royal Society of Chemistry. In the book, Francl argues that adding a pinch of salt to tea – not enough to taste – can make it seem less bitter, as the sodium helps "block the bitter receptors in our mouths," according to the Associated Press.

Brits were quick to react to the suggestion – and it didn't go well.