Chai tea is a warm, spiced beverage for comfort and robust flavors. The black tea has so many origins that one can easily get confused. However, chai tea has become a global phenomenon. Some of you may ask if it is simply “tea”? Or is there more to it? This article discusses chai tea, its origins, variations, and the best way to brew your perfect cup.
What is Chai Tea?
Chai tea is the name that most cafes use for black tea with milk. Like we have different kinds of coffees like cappuccino, latte, and mocha latte, chai tea is a name used to differentiate between the simple black tea made with water and a teabag and the lavish milk-infused tea, which has cream, sugar, and many variations according to the customers’ needs.
Beyond the Tea Label: Unveiling Chai’s Rich History
What is chai tea? Chai is an Indian word for tea, which refers to a brewed black tea with milk and sugar. Spiced chai tea has some Indian spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon. This spiced beverage has a long and rich history and it is believed to have evolved from a medicinal concoction in ancient India.
• Spices and Ayurveda
Ayurvedic medicine or the ancient Indian holistic healing system, played a significant role in the development of chai. Spices like ginger, cloves, cardamom, and black pepper, possess various health benefits, and all of them are used in a typical cup of chai tea. When you prepare a cup of chai tea, you are creating a warming and invigorating beverage.
• The Rise of Masala Chai
The term masala chai means spiced tea, which is the most common variation of chai tea. And is the most common variation consumed worldwide. Masala chai typically uses black tea as a base, infused with a blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper. Milk and sugar are often added for a rich and sweet flavor profile.
• Westernized Chai
In Western cafes and restaurants, chai tea is made with different kinds of flavors, as you can find cinnamon, star anise, or nutmeg, which are more common here. This version of chai tea has less black tea and a higher amount of milk and sugar than traditional Indian masala chai.
• Vanilla Chai
This version of chai tea is lighter than western chai as it has less milk. This variation has vanilla extract or vanilla bean with a dessert-like flavor and can be made with milk or cream.
How to Make the Best Chai Tea?
Making authentic chai tea at home is simple. You will need simple ingredients like loose black tea leaves. These leaves are available at all Indian confectionary stores. You can even buy black tea teabags from the local grocer near you. The other ingredients for masala chai tea arespices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and star anise. You can add milk, sugar, and cream according to your liking. Whole milk is traditionally used, but you can explore other options based on dietary needs or taste preferences.
For brewing, lightly crush the whole spices using a mortar and pestle and add them to a glass of water. Put the water to boil so the flavors of the spices are infused. Add the black tea leaves and let the water boil a little more. Add milk and your chosen sweetener to the simmering tea. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the milk to heat through and the flavors to meld. Strain the tea into mugs using a fine-mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves and spices. You can use a milk frother or whisk it before adding it to the tea. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cardamom for an extra sensory experience.
Conclusion
What is chai tea? Chai tea has become a popular drink for all, and has crossed borders to become a daily beverage for millions of people. You can enjoy the chai tea recipe we shared here, and become a fan just like all of us.
