What is Chai?
Chai is a spiced milk tea drink from India that is centuries old. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular throughout the entire world.
What is in Chai?
Chai is made up of rich black tea, heavy milk, several spices, and a sweetener such as sugar. Depending on your particular taste or even upon the geographic region in which you live, you may use different spices in your Chai than someone else.
Have You Tasted Chai?someone else.
The tea base for Chai is typically something strong, such as Assam tea. Strong tea is almost always used so that spices and sweeteners do not overpower its tastes. However, this is not always the case.
For example, Kashmiri Chai is made with Gunpowder green tea, and sometime even Rooibos tea or Yerba Mate are used to make Chai. Of course, these ways of making Chai are Westernized, and not done in India.
As stated above, the sweetener in Chai is usually sugar. However, molasses and honey are sometimes used as well.
The most common spices that are used include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, cloves, peppercorn, nutmeg, chocolate, cocoa, vanilla, licorice, and pepper. The Kashmiri Chai is often brewed using almonds, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, and saffron.
Where did Chai come from?
Chai is a common drink in India, and many Indians cannot believe how popular it has become across the world. In India, Chai is much more popular and preferred than coffee. Many forms of Chai are popular across India, and the recipes for Chai are abounding. The more creative the recipe is, the better!
How is Chai prepared?
Chai is prepared by boiling tea leaves, spices, sugar, and milk/creamer together. This produces a strong flavor and brilliant color. After it simmers for a few minutes, the mixture is then strained and served.
Assam makes a good base for Chai Tea
Why do people drink Chai?
Not only is Chai deliciously tasty to the palate, but it also produces an extremely soothing effect and sense of well-being in the body. Furthermore, it acts as a digestive tract aid. Once you have one cup of Chai, you may not be able to pass up another. Soon you will find yourself addicted!
What is Masala Chai?
Although many people consider Masala Chai very popular in India, it is actually more popular among Indian people living outside of India. Masala Chai is basically Chai that is flavored with a particular spice that is known as masala chai.
Who drinks Chai?
People from all across the India, the United States and around the world drink Chai. Chai knows no boundaries. It is enjoyed by one and all!