You probably already know this but the word “chai” means “tea” in Hindi. So when we sidle up to the Starbucks counter and order a Chai tea we’re basically asking for a tea tea which sounds vaguely ridiculous especially if it’s Venti. The other ridiculous thing about Starbucks chai and most other coffee house chai is that it’s made from a liquid concentrate. That kind of chai compared to real masala chai is like Sanka compared to fresh ground coffee made in an espresso machine.
It’s called masala chai because that’s hindi for “spice tea.” It dates back at least 5,000 years and began as an herbal (rather than a black tea) Ayurvedic treatment for minor ailments with the idea that drinking the spices and herbs would cleanse and re-invigorate the body. Beginning in the colonial period, the British established tea plantations in Assam; over time these black teas made their way into regional, national and finally international chai preparations.
There is no definitive masala chai recipe or formulation but the basic idea is to pair tea with spices (and sweetener and milk, more on that below). We use Assam, the traditional choice, but an organic variety. The tea is complimented with spices that are also traditionally selected, including organic cinnamon, organic cardamom seed, organic cloves and organic ginger root. But we’ve included something a little out of the mainstream, organic black pepper, which adds a piquant note to the cup.
A touch of honey or raw sugar enhances and balances the competing flavors, while milk smooths out the tannins. In India it’s traditional to use whole milk, but lower-fat alternatives are perfectly acceptable, as is rice milk, almond milk and oat milk. Lots of people use soy milk but the strong taste is not as desirable in masala chai, at least to us.
Black tea like the Assam in masala chai contains polyphenols, a type of antioxidant with proven health benefits. If you want to try it but are concerned about the muss & fuss, check out our Tea & Infuser Combo offer, below. This infuser makes brewing loose tea as easy as using a bag.
4 ounces
Ingredients: 100% organic Assam tea, organic cinnamon, organic cardamom seed, organic cloves, organic black pepper, organic ginger root.
Usage Instructions
To brew, use 1 teaspoon tea per 8 ounces water. Place tea in pot or infuser. Bring filtered water just to boil; pour over tea & steep for 3-4 minutes or to taste. Best with sweetener and milk.
