{"id":7924,"date":"2018-09-19T17:06:19","date_gmt":"2018-09-19T21:06:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/?p=7924"},"modified":"2023-09-14T13:26:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-14T17:26:28","slug":"chai-101-chai-tea-make-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/chai-101-chai-tea-make-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Chai 101: What is chai tea and how to make it at home"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time:<\/b> <\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

When it comes to chai, we\u2019re definitely not snobs. Hot, iced, traditional, caffeine-free \u2013 we think you should do whatever makes you feel cozy. Bursting with rich and spicy flavours, this spiced black tea blend is a delicious way to warm up your soul and invigorate your senses. Just try our signature chai tea latte recipe<\/span><\/a> to see what we mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chai curious? Read on to get the spicy deets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is chai?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The word \u201cchai\u201d actually means \u201ctea.\u201d What we think of as chai came about when people in India started adding black tea to masala \u2013 a hot spiced beverage traditionally sipped for its cleansing properties \u2013 and masala chai (aka \u201cspiced tea\u201d) was born. Travel to India or Pakistan today and you\u2019ll find this flavourful brew being sipped everywhere \u2013 at street stands, in shops, on trains and even in rickshaws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what makes chai so comforting? It\u2019s traditionally made up of four main components: tea, milk, sugar and, of course, tons of feel-good spices.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"\"Tea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although tradition calls for a strong full-bodied black tea base, the most common being Assam, we believe chai tastes amazing with almost any tea type \u2013 from pu\u2019erh to green tea to rooibos. Here are some of our faves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saigon Chai<\/strong><\/span><\/a> :<\/strong> Looking for the warm and comforting flavours of a traditional chai? You can\u2019t do better than this spiced black tea blend filled with Saigon cinnamon, cardamom and pink peppercorns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

S\u2019mores Chai<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>:<\/strong> Inspired by the campfire classic, this sweet and decadent cinnamon-laced pu\u2019erh tea is the most delicious way to satisfy a dessert craving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kashmiri Chai<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>:<\/strong> This delicate green chai is our twist on the traditional Kashmiri tea (aka \u201cnoon chai\u201d). We especially love its forward notes of aromatic green cardamom and ginger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon Rooibos Chai<\/span><\/a> <\/strong>:<\/strong> Made with a hydrating base of naturally sweet rooibos, this warming organic cinnamon tea makes the perfect caffeine-free chai latte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"Spices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chai is made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices, the most common being cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves and pepper. Many families have their own signature recipes, with ingredients varying from region to region, household to household. Some will have an extra hint of fennel or coriander, while others may have subtle notes of star anise or nutmeg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, chai recipes are so prized that families cherish them as a source of pride, passing them down through the generations as closely guarded secrets. Kind of like your grandma\u2019s secret cookie recipe\u2026 which you still haven\u2019t shared with us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"Milk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We love using creamy, silky, rich whole milk to help bring out the richness in the spices. Of course, you can make a chai with almost any milk you like \u2013 hot or cold, lactose-free or plant-based. That\u2019s the beauty of chai \u2013 everyone has their own recipe, and no two chais are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"Sweetener<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Got a sweet tooth? Then you\u2019re already on your way to loving chai. In Southeast Asia, unrefined sugar called \u201cjaggery\u201d is often used to give this deliciously spicy brew a deep sweetness. But don\u2019t worry if you don\u2019t have it in your pantry: maple syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, agave and even coconut or cane sugar are all great ways to sweeten your chai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chai tea benefits<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Another reason to love chai? It\u2019s packed with traditional feel-good spices hailed in Ayurvedic medicine for their amazing health benefits, from digestion-loving cardamom and cold-soothing ginger to focus-enhancing cinnamon. For a powerhouse chai that’ll make you feel 100, reach for these five popular super spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ginger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bright, peppery and warming, this popular wonder root never fails to up the cozy factor of a classic masala chai. Plus it\u2019s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to ward off cold weather and settle upset tummies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Cardamom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These exotic little pods are loved for their soothing flavours and aromas \u2013 from sweet, spicy and citrusy to floral and peppery, with hints of eucalyptus. What\u2019s more, they\u2019ve been hailed as a natural breath freshener and digestive aid \u2013 perfect after a heavy meal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Black Pepper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bring on the heat! Pepper\u2019s sharp and spicy flavour is what makes rich, creamy chais extra warming during the fall and winter seasons. Plus it provides a lively zip and subtle pop of heat that never fail to get our taste buds tingling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cinnamon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This super spice is the epitome of comfort thanks to its delicate sweetness and warmth. Bonus: it\u2019s also said to have natural skin-brightening and focus-enhancing powers. If that isn\u2019t super, we don\u2019t know what is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cloves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cloves are like powerful little flavour bombs. They\u2019re strong, sweet and slightly bitter, so when it comes to brewing the perfect cup of chai, a little goes a long way. Plus they\u2019re known for their amazing soothing properties. No wonder we feel so relaxed after a cup!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Homemade Chai Recipe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Ready to whip up a deliciously frothy chai latte? Break out your fave mug \u2013 we\u2019re about to show you how to make a quick and easy chai tea latte at home.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Homemade Chai Recipe<\/h2>
\n \n \n \n \n \nPrint recipe<\/a> <\/div>
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\n Serves\n <\/td>One 16oz mug<\/td><\/tr> \n
\n Prep time\n <\/td> 15 minutes<\/td><\/tr> <\/table> \n

Ingredients<\/h2> \n