In a recent study commissioned for British Science Week, researchers have found that most British tea drinkers do not steep their tea long enough to develop the best flavour.

Even though the British are perhaps the best-known tea drinkers, a study notes that most do not know how to make a proper cup.

New research commissioned for British Science Week has found that, among 1,000 survey participants, 80 percent don’t allow the tea to steep as long as the two to five minutes recommended by experts. 

Only 16 percent of people follow these guidelines while 37 percent wait between one and two minutes.

Experts believe a longer brewing time is needed to release the 30,000 different chemicals in tea leaves which contribute to a more sophisticated and complex drink. 

The survey also found that the vast majority – 91 percent – preferred to drink English Breakfast tea from a ceramic mug with no added sugar. 

Nearly half, or 47 percent, allowed the beverage to cool for five minutes before drinking which is considered to be proper technique. 

As for adding milk before or after the hot water, 69 percent preferred it after to allow the tea to steep first. 

It has been estimated that the British drink 165 million cups of tea per day.