Chai tea, also known as Masala Chai, is a beverage made from black tea, milk , sugar or honey and seasoned with spices such as cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and peppercorns. The tea used in often from the regions of Assam, Ceylon, Darjeeling or Nilgiri. The tea can be in loose or bagged form. Original recipes used whole milk, modern variations may include half and half, condensed milk, or any number of milk alternatives. Sweetening is done to taste. If condensed milk is used, sugar or honey may not be necessary.
Chai tea contains high levels of antioxidants, which may lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce ones risk of certain cancers.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea Plus, if chai blends are made with real herbs and spices they have a host of other benefits. Cinnamon is known to help control blood glucose levels, which can help diabetics. Ginger, cloves, cardmom, black pepper, and nutmeg have been known to aid digestion and may help soothe an upset stomach.http://healthmad.com/nutrition/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-drinking-chai-tea/
History
The original Indian chai tea was made by drying spices in the sun, grinding them by hand and then simmering the mixture over an open flame for at least one hour before serving. Some believe that chai tea was created to mask the poor quality tea that was available in India during the time it was colonized by Great Britain. Allegedly, the British reserved the good tea for themselves, leaving tea of poorer quality for the native population.http://www.veetea.com/site/articles/Masala-Chai/
Availability and Selection
Chai beverages are available at your local Starbucks or other favorite purveyor of coffee and tea beverages. If you are lucky enough to travel to India your Masala Chai will be prepared and served by a Chai Wallah from their street side shop. If you want to enjoy Chai at home, you can make it from scratch or use a ready made mix bagged for steeping or a mistake proof powder.
Health Benefits
Chai tea contains high levels of antioxidants, which may lower blood pressure and cholesterol and reduce ones risk of certain cancers.http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea
Chai Tea Recipe
In this video, a cook describes a basic recipe to make your own Chai Tea at home. The recipe includes typical Chai ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper, all of which need to be thoroughly ground before adding to boiling water. The woman in the video also provides her recommendations for the best dark black Indian teas that are appropriate to use with Chai.
Disclaimer
The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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Origin
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Name meaning
Chai means tea, and masala means spiced
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Available
In powder, concentrate, or teabag form
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Sweetened with
Sugar or honey
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Potential health benefits
Antioxidants, digestive aid
