Chai tea, Masala Chai, Spiced Tea- what is it?

The warm and wonderful cup of chai comes from the busy markets of India where baskets of exotic seeds and fragrant spices are traded. Traditional chai transforms the straightforward black tea brew into an enigmatic concoction of cinnamon, spice, and all the nice things by adding steamy, creamy richness and spicy aromatics.

Sweet spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns are frequently found in chai. Fennel and star anise are also components of some chai spices.

Traditional brewing methods for this fragrant and sweetly spiced loose black tea include milk and honey, which enhances the sensationally creamy fusion of spicy sweetness.

Where does chai come from?

Chai, also known as masala chai, is an ancient beverage that has Indian origins but may also have Thai origins, according to some. By combining cardamom, a touch of liquorice, and fresh, tangy lemongrass, our Chiang Mai Chai pays homage to the Thai origins of chai.

Black tea quickly entered the chai recipe after the British arrived in the Indian province of Assam. Initially, this hot, sweet version of chai was only made with chai spices and no loose black tea. 

Masala tea

When describing a hot cup of chai, the adjectives refreshing and delightfully milky frequently go hand in hand. The word "chai" first appeared in India in the 16th century, when emperors drank it in courtrooms while lounging in their sun-kissed gardens.

Simply put, Indian masala chai is a deliciously flavorful and aromatic beverage made from a carefully crafted mixture of tea leaves and spices. Ingenious blends of spices, including cardamom, ginger, tulsi (holy basil), and cinnamon, are used to create aromatic brews or masala teas that can satisfy even the pickiest tea drinkers.

The journey of Indian Chai

Every cup of loose leaf chai tea gives you a rich, distinctive flavour, regardless of the masala chai tea leaves you choose to steep, whether they come from the Nilgiri range, the lowlands of Assam, or the hills of Darjeeling.

Chai has a light-colored infusion and a fresh, flowery aroma, especially those from the Darjeeling plantations. This well-known classic differs from the glut of commercial tea leaves that swarm the market thanks to a certain astringency and musky spice.

The Assam chai, on the other hand, is grown close to sea level and has a bright colour and malty flavour, making it one of the best chai teas and the ideal addition to a light breakfast.

On the other hand, tea leaves harvested from the Nilgiris are known to have a very potent aroma when used to make chai tea.

Is chai tea healthy for you?

Real chai's health advantages come more from the curative qualities of its individual herbs and spices rather than from consuming chai as a whole.

According to some studies, chai's cinnamon and ginger-infused spices may help with digestion, blood sugar control, blood pressure reduction, and cholesterol reduction.

Cardamom and ginger are also thought to help with digestion, which is thought to help with weight loss.

A chai latte, which is made with low-fat milk and a touch of honey, is unquestionably healthy.

Chai – Health at your fingertips

Indian chai tea offers a nutritious cup of goodness because it contains all the therapeutic properties of the spices used.

For instance, black tea, the primary ingredient in most chai blends, contains a high concentration of antioxidants that are thought to protect against cardiovascular diseases. Other additions, such as cardamom and lime, are known to help with respiratory issues, blood circulation, and indigestion.

With the Punjabi Masala Chai from the north, Kolkata Street Chai and Assam Masala Chai from the east, Bombay Cutting Chai from the west, and Wayanad Cardamom Chai from the south, our chai collection features the best Indian chai teas.

The recipe for masala chai tea

You have two options for preparing and consuming Indian chai: either you choose to crush the spices yourself, such as ginger, pepper, clove, and cardamom, or you choose to purchase chai tea online. Whichever route you take, you can make a nice, comforting cup of chai using this recipe method. 

Take these easy actions:

• Put the tea leaves or crushed spices in a pot of water, and then bring to a boil.
• After turning off the heat, cover the pan and let it steep for five minutes.
• Bring the milk and sugar to a boil in the pan.
• Add the tea after removing from the heat.
• For three minutes, cover and steep.
• Stir the chai, then strain it into teacups or a warmed teapot.

This demonstrates how simple it is to make Indian chai. Chai tea comes in a wide range of flavours and brands on the market. You can even buy chai tea online, where you'll be exposed to a lot more variations of the Indian chai. Some chai teas have specific flavours, and some chai teas are specific to regions, like cardamom chai or Assam masala chai.