How the cup that cheers upsets us if it tastes wrong

FOR a nation of tea lovers, we are full of moans about our favourite drink.

A survey suggests that of the 28 cups a week we consume, at least three are disappointing, meaning we endure an average of 9,828 tasteless cuppas in a lifetime.

Half of those polled said they have had to complain to a partner, friend or colleague about their lack of brew-making skills.

And three in ten claim that they feel insulted by being given a poor tea.

Three-quarters felt that the way a person makes your cup is an indication of how well they really know you.

Workmates are most likely to serve a brew that is below par. But even at home 20 per cent do not dare tell their partner that they hate the way they make it.

And 12 per cent dared take a swipe at their mother, claiming her tea was undrinkable.

Tea stains down the cup and chipped mugs were among concerns besides taste for the 2,000 who took part in the study for Clipper Teas, commissioned for National Tea Day this Saturday.

Top 10 tea complaints were... too weak, say 36 per cent. Lukewarm, say 35 per cent. Too much milk upsets 30 per cent.

Teabag was not in for long enough, moan 26 per cent. Mug not washed properly, said 25 per cent. Wrong amount of milk upset 21 per cent.

Cup half empty dismayed 20 per cent. Poor quality tea tasted foul to 19 per cent.

And a cup not full enough leaves 18 per cent thirsty, the same percentage as those who hate tea too strong. THERE is a way to make the perfect cuppa, according to the British Standards Institution.

The BSI, which creates standards for companies worldwide, has published six pages of guidelines.

But to sum up...the tea should be brewed in a pot, and the milk should be put in the cup first.

The water should be below boiling point at 185F (85C), so the milk does not scald.

The pot should be of white porcelain or glazed earthenware with its edge partly serrated.

And tea should be left in the pot to infuse for six minutes, to extract maximum flavour.