Masala chai or more popularly known as masala tea soothes millions of people in the world due to its distinct aroma and unique flavour. Masala Tea is produced by brewing black tea along with aromatic spices and herbs such as cardamom, ginger, cloves, etc. It is believed to have originated in India and its use has widely spread through coffee and tea houses around the world.
Masala chai is a hot beverage that is made by boiling black tea in water or milk and adding a mixture of aromatic herbs and spices. The taste and flavour of masala tea differ from region to region with varying amounts in the combination of spices that make up the tea blend. For example in Bhopal, a pinch of salt is often added to the tea while in Kashmir green tea is substituted for black tea to give off a mild flavor of other flavouring agents such as almonds, cinnamon, cloves, etc. In states that belong to western India, black pepper and cloves are entirely avoided and lemongrass is added when preparing tea. In the west, the typical spices used to prepare masala chai such as cloves and cinnamon are replaced with allspice. Buy masala chai from reputed vendors online or offline to prepare a tasty beverage made from high-quality ingredients.
Typically a cup of masala tea is made by adding milk and water along with other sweeteners to make it more delicious. In India, buffalo milk is often used to make masala chai. Masala chai is made by mixing one part of the milk with around two to four parts of water and heating the liquid to near boiling point. Some people prefer to use sweetened condensed milk in their masala chai to double as the sweetener. People also leave out one of milk or water when making chai depending on the person’s preferences.
Natural or artificial sweeteners are often added to masala chai throughout the country. Plain white sugar, brown sugars, palm or coconut sugars, artificial syrups, honey are often added onto masala chai to lend it a pinch of sweetness in its overall flavour profile. In most rural parts of India, jaggery is used as a sweetener due to its ability to mix well with tea. Some people prefer unsweetened masala chai as they believe it strips the tea of its authentic flavour. Sugar is typically added according to the tastes and preferences of the drinker. Buy masala chai and prepare it by keeping in mind your requirements and preferences.
Masala chai can be prepared in various ways. The method used in preparing masala chai depends from region to region and the individual preferences of the person. The most common way of preparing masala chai is through the process of decoction. In this method, you actively simmer a mixture of milk and water up to a near boiling point and then adding loose-leaf tea sweeteners and other whole spices to make your perfect hot beverage. Some individuals may combine all the ingredients from the start of the process, bring the mixture to a boil, and then immediately strained and served while others may leave the milk and water mixture simmer for a long time while adding in the tea leaves and spices towards the end of the cooking process. Buy masala chai and prepare it according to the process which suits you the most.
Another famous means of preparing masala chai is by combing one-half cup of water with one-half cup of milk in a boiling pot. Sugar can be added either at this point or closer to the end of the cooking process. Ginger is then grated into a mixture and combined with other spices making up a tea masala. Typically crushed ginger, crushed cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon are the most commonly found ingredients in this tea masala. This mixture is then brought to a boil and one teaspoon of loose black tea is added to it.
The masala chai is then immediately taken off the heat, covered by a lid, and allowed to sit for about 10 minutes so that the black tea completely infuses into the tea. The tea is then strained and served. These are the most common means of preparation when making masala tea. Buy masala chai and store it in appropriate conditions to get the maximum use out of it.
