Masala Chai Tea: Everything You Need to Know
With over 800+ million cups consumed annually in India alone, masala chai is not just a drink but a cultural phenomenon.
Originating as an Ayurvedic remedy, this spiced tea blends black tea with a medley of aromatic spices.
If you’re intrigued about the spices used or the taste flavor, let’s deep dive into the world of masala chai today.
What is Masala Chai?
In India, the word masala refers to mixed spices, whereas chai means tea. So, masala chai basically translates to spiced tea. Originating from India, this masala chai is now renowned as a traditional South Asian beverage. This tea is usually brewed by mixing milk, infused black tea, sugar, and spices together.
Spices used in Masala Chai
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
- Ginger
- Holy basil (Tulsi)
- Mint leaves
- Star Anise (Optional)
- Fennel Seeds (Optional)
- Nutmeg (Optional)
What does Masala tea taste like?
Sweet and warming, with a good spice flavor! That’s how masala chai lovers describe the taste.
Masala chai offers a robust aromatic flavor of black tea and spices blended together. It has a creamy and sweet taste with the dominant flavor of spices used.
Nutritional Facts about Masala Chai
In 1 cup of sweetened masala chai with milk, you may expect the following nutritional contents. But, note that the value could differ according to the serving size and ingredients used.
Caffeine: 30 - 60 mg
Calories: 120-180 calories
Protein: 2-4 grams
Carbohydrate: 20- 30 grams
Total Fat: 65%
How to brew masala chai?
Well, an authentic Indian masala chai is made in a saucepan by boiling the tea, spices, milk, and sweeteners together. Still, this tea is highly customizable. We recommend you pick your own spices and sweeteners to personalize your masala chai.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 whole cloves
- ⅕ cinnamon stick
- 2-3 black pepper
- 1-inch ginger
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea or CTC tea. Or, 1-2 black tea bags.
- 1 cup whole, plant-based, or skim milk
- 1 Star Anise (Optional)
- A pinch of grounded nutmeg (Optional)
Instructions
- First, slightly crush the spices to enhance their taste.
- Pour the water into your saucepan and boil it.
- Once the water boils, put in the crushed spices.
- Add loose leaf black tea, CTC tea, or tea bags into the water.
- Now, put the flame on low heat. Then, add milk, sugar, and other ingredients.
- Stir the tea and let it simmer for around 3-4 minutes. Or, until you get the perfect tea color and flavor.
- Finally, place the sieve into your cup and pour the tea. It’ll strain the tea leaves. Enjoy!
Masala Chai Brands
For users who lack spices or do not wish to brew tea from scratch, you could use masala chai instant tea. Basically, these teas are black tea that comes in blended with spices.
Here are the best masala chai brands:
- Wagh Bakri
- Rishi Tea
- Girnar Tea
- Blue lotus masala chai
- Tetley masala chai
Masala Chai Tea Benefits
Boost Immunity
Spices like ginger, cardamom, and cloves are considered to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. When you use these spices in masala chai, it may help to combat viruses and boost the immunity system.
Minimizes Inflammation
Each spice used in masala chai has its own benefits. Cloves contain eugenol, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Similarly, other spices also contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help to minimize the inflammation in the body, soothing arthritis.
Might Improve Heart Health
The main ingredient in masala chai is black tea which contains flavonoids. This compound may contribute to the relaxation of blood vessels, developing the blood flow. It may improve heart health.
May Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Ginger and cardamom spices used in masala chai have anxiolytic properties, providing a calming effect. When consumed moderately, the aroma and flavor of masala chai may help relieve dress and anxiety.
Boosts Energy and Metabolism
Black teas contain high amounts of caffeine. So, drinking masala chai might provide you with a natural energy boost, combatting the fatigue. Similarly, spices may also help in enhancing the metabolism.
Masala Chai FAQs
How to make masala black tea?
Firstly, add loose leaf, CTC, or black tea bags into the boiling water. Put crushed spices into the tea and let it simmer for around 2-3 minutes. Your masala black tea is ready!
Is masala tea good for sore throat?
The spices used in masala chai provide anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antibacterial effects. That’s why masala tea may be good for sore throat, easing the irritation.
Does masala chai have caffeine?
Yes, masala chai contains caffeine since it is prepared using black tea. Caffeine in a single cup of masala chai could range from 30 to 60 mg.
Conclusion
Masala chai is a flavorful beverage that gives both warming and aromatic tea experience. In addition to that, the spices used are also beneficial to health. So, why don’t you make masala chai and experience the effect by yourself?
Our Danfe Tea’s yak mountain chai tea powder contains cloves, black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. All you need to do is steep tea in warm water and mix it with other preferred ingredients. Isn’t that easy?
