New research has found exactly which brew Birmingham prefers to drink

New research has revealed Birmingham’s favourite brew, and it turns out to be a British staple.

According to the latest real-world New Tea Census Study of over 1,000 Brits, commissioned by the UK Tea and Infusions Association (UKTIA), regular black tea is still the city’s favourite drink.

Dr Sharon Hall, Chief Executive of the UKTIA, said: “For 70% of people in Birmingham, traditional black tea, with or without milk, holds strong as our main infusion of choice, with 15% more likely to opt for herbal infusion, and 16% predominantly choosing green tea, according to the UKTIA Tea Census real-world data.”

Read more: Martin Lewis high UK energy cost message triggers backlash

Yet, the data also suggests that the split between our preferred infusion changes with age

Dr Hall continued: “We found some noteworthy differences between the older and younger generations.

“For example, among the 18-24 age group, two thirds (63%) said they mainly drink black tea, while around a fifth (20%) are experimenting with a range of herbal infusions or drinking green tea.”

“That’s compared with the 65+ age group, among whom over four fifths (86%) mainly drink black tea, but fewer than one in 10 choosing herbal or green tea.”

The UKTIA Tea Census Study data also suggests that many of us could be prone to making tea in too much of a rush.

“Nearly three-quarters (74%) of people in Birmingham admitted to leaving their tea to brew for less than the 3-4 minutes we at the UKTIA would recommend for the ideal cup of regular black tea,” adds Dr Hall.

Dr Hall continues: “Only 5% of people in Birmingham let their tea brew for what we at the UK Tea and Infusions Association would generally regard to be the required time for most types of tea: 3-4 minutes.

“That sadly leaves the vast majority of people in Birmingham missing out on the perfect tasting cuppa. Plus, leaving tea to brew for three to five minutes will ensure the optimal amount of polyphenol compounds are released, such as flavan-3-ols and theaflavins.

“Polyphenols are natural plant compounds that contribute to tea’s flavour and mouthfeel, and they provide nutritional benefits like fruit and vegetables.

“Although younger generations are experimenting with a range of teas more than their parents and grandparents, our new Tea Census Study data clearly shows that Birmingham’s favourite is still a traditional brew of regular black tea.”