Do not dilute tea with cold water: what the sign warns about
Many people like to dilute hot tea with cold water to cool it down and quench their thirst. This seems like a harmless practice, but there are beliefs and signs associated with it that warn against this seemingly harmless act.
Warnings for your personal life
The belief in the sign says that diluting tea with cold water can be associated with potential failures in your personal life. This superstition goes back to ancient times, when people believed that by diluting tea in this way, sorcerers were trying to cool down the passionate feelings between lovers. They believed that interfering with the temperature of the tea symbolized a similar cooling of emotions in personal relationships.
Energy and passivity
Another aspect of this sign is that diluting tea with cold water can weaken a person's overall energy and make them more passive. Drinking hot tea can be invigorating, and adding cold water can be perceived as reducing vitality.
Rational explanations
While these signs have historical and cultural significance, there are also practical and rational explanations for why the practice of tea dilution should be avoided.
Etiquette matters
According to traditional etiquette in some cultures, it is considered bad form to dilute tea with cold water. It can be seen as disrespectful to a perfectly prepared beverage, similar to adding ice to a fine wine.
Impact on nutrients
From a health perspective, diluting hot tea with cold water can actually reduce its nutritional value. Some of the beneficial compounds in tea are extracted at certain temperatures, and dilution can lead to a weakening of the brew. In addition, cold water can cause some compounds to precipitate, which affects the overall content of antioxidants and other health benefits in tea.
Flavor considerations
Adding cold water to hot tea can also significantly change its flavor. The delicate balance of flavors that makes a particular tea enjoyable can be disrupted by this practice, resulting in a less enjoyable tea drinking experience.
A safer alternative
If you find it difficult to break the habit of watering down your tea, we recommend using only cold boiled water. This ensures that the water you add is safe to drink and that no contaminants get into the tea. Diluting tea with tap water, especially in regions where water quality is a concern, can be risky.