Tea Spotlight: Chai Tea / Masala Chai

Tea Profile:

• Masala chai is a spiced black tea infused with a medley of aromatic spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, originating from India.
• This tea is also known for its health benefits, including improving digestion and boosting immunity.
• ’chai’ is the Hindi word for ‘tea’. Chai Tea translates to ‘tea tea’

Flavor Profile:

Taste Characteristics:

• Masala chai presents a harmonious blend of robust black tea with the warming and spiced notes of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, creating a bold and full-bodied flavor
• A bold and spicy taste with a slightly sweet flavor from adding milk and sugar.

Aroma Characteristics:

• The fragrance is warm and inviting, with strong cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger notes.

Color Characteristics:

• Masala chai has a deep reddish-brown color, similar to that of black tea
• The addition of milk often results in a warm caramel or a rich toffee color

How to Brew:

Suggested spice measurement:

Adjust the quantity of any spice based on personal preference.

• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 4-5 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
• 4-5 whole cloves
• A small piece of fresh ginger (about 1 inch), sliced or 1/4 teaspoon of powdered ginger

To brew the perfect cup, start by bringing 8oz water to a boil. Add 1-2 teaspoons of loose-leaf or bagged black tea to a cup along with the traditional chai spices—cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and fresh ginger—to the boiling water. Pour the hot water over the tea and spice mix and simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, blending the spices and black tea into a flavorful chai concentrate.

Strain the concentrate and mix with milk, adjusting to your taste preferences and desired creaminess.

Suggested Sweeteners and Additives:

• Chai tea is traditionally enjoyed sweetened and often with milk. Add a sweetener of your choice, such as sugar, honey, or maple syrup, and complement the richness with your preferred type of milk.

Suggested Variations: