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Pie · 02-22-2010, 01:13 PM

The scum is only created after the water in question is poured over tea leaves. Before that instant, the water is clear and scum-free.

Someone pointed out a possibility -- the metal heater element within the kettle (or the metal stovetop kettle itself) could be acting as an anode, allowing various hard-water components (calcium carbonate, for example) to deposit before it interacts with the organic compounds in the tea.
Anyone familiar with electric tea kettles will attest to the mineral scale that eventually forms on the heating element.

02-22-2010, 01:13 PM	#39
Pie Gone and done Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 4,808	The scum is only created after the water in question is poured over tea leaves. Before that instant, the water is clear and scum-free. Someone pointed out a possibility -- the metal heater element within the kettle (or the metal stovetop kettle itself) could be acting as an anode, allowing various hard-water components (calcium carbonate, for example) to deposit before it interacts with the organic compounds in the tea. Anyone familiar with electric tea kettles will attest to the mineral scale that eventually forms on the heating element. __________________ per·son \ˈpər-sən\ (noun) - an ephemeral collection of small, irrational decisions The fun thing about evolution (and science in general) is that it happens whether you believe in it or not.