Why do lemons turn tea cloudy?

Here's how it works:

* Tannins: Tea contains tannins, which are polyphenols that give tea its astringent taste and color.

* Citric Acid: Lemons are rich in citric acid, which is a weak acid.

* Calcium: Tea also contains small amounts of calcium.

When you add lemon juice to tea, the citric acid reacts with the tannins, forming calcium citrate. Calcium citrate is a less soluble compound than tannins, so it precipitates out of the solution, forming a cloudy appearance.

Other factors:

* Temperature: The reaction is more pronounced in hot tea because the molecules are more active.

* Lemon Variety: The amount of citric acid in lemons can vary, so some lemons may cause more cloudiness than others.

* Type of Tea: Black tea generally contains more tannins than green tea, so it is more likely to become cloudy when lemon is added.

Note: While the cloudiness is harmless, it can be visually unappealing for some people. If you don't like the cloudy appearance, you can add the lemon juice after the tea has cooled down slightly or use a different citrus fruit like lime.