WC

I’ve never been a “hot tea” kind of guy. Moreover, I’ve never been an “alternative beverage to enrich/enlighten the senses” kind of guy either. But lately, I can’t get enough of this chai tea stuff. Specifically, the chai latte. First, let’s break down the word:

chai- in Arabic the word means “tea”

latte- in Italian means hot expresso with milk

For those of us in the tea drinking community, we are well aware that this “latte” does not have the presence of coffee, but in fact, spices. So, besides tea, milk, and spices, what all emcompasses this wonderful beverage?

Chai Mix: A traditional chai mix is a combination of spices that are grounded and or used whole. It can be a powdery mix that is available in Indian stores or you can make it at home quite easily. The base for most mixes include cloves (can be used whole or crushed), cardamoms (very flavourful when crushed and grounded just before use) and cinnamon. Additional ingredients that make-up the different variations are ginger (fresh grated ginger is best), peppercorns, fennel and star anise.

Black Tea : A full bodied black tea is used. It is preferable to use tea leaves as opposed to tea bags for their freshness, taste and aroma. Darjeeling tea, Assam or a full bodied Ceylon Tea are some of the popular teas for making chai.

Milk: Use whole or skimmed milk. In some parts of Asia, a combination of skimmed milk and/or evaporated and sweetened condensed milk is used. The evaporated and condensed milk give it a very milky flavour. The sweetened condensed milk can also be used as a substitute for sugar.

Ah, good question Jud. Jud asked, “How do you make it though, WC? And how do you make being awesome so easy?” Well, let’s tackle the first question, Jud. It’s a lot easier to explain:

To make chai tea, the chai mix is boiled in water. After allowing it to simmer for a few minutes, tea is added to the mixture and allowed to boil gently for about 5-10 minutes. Milk is then added and allowed to simmer for about 5 minutes. The tea is then strained into a teapot and is sweetened with sugar or honey.

Another great thing about chai tea?

Chai is good for you!

Here are some of the ingredients that make up the tea mix which explains why this brew is good for health.

Cloves

Used in Ayurvedic medicine as an analgesic, cloves are most often used to soothe toothaches and remedy halitosis. It also has antiseptic qualities, and can be used to kill intestinal parasites, fungi, and bacteria. These latter qualities have also led cloves to be used for treating diarrhea (Ew!) and similar digestive ailments.

Cardamoms

Relieves flatulence (Gross!), harmonises digestion and eases nausea. Useful for combating colds & chills (I got chills and they’re multiplying. And I’m losing control from the power you’re supplying. Its electrifying. For more of this horrible song, click here).

Fennel

Fennel has aromatic and carminative properties. Tea made from the fennel seeds is used to ease flatulence of infants and is used by women to ease menopause symptoms (Wow. A lot of info here).

Cinnamon

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. It has also shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.

So, whether its chai tea or a chai tea latte, know that this is a good alternative to the coffees and Red Bulls of the world.

I know that hot tea isn’t for everyone. And I know I’ve probably had to toss in a man card just for devoting a post to this topic. But when I see greatness and taste it to boot, I have to let the masses know. For those within the Greenville, SC area, try this great beverage at these wonderful locations:

Spill the Beans

Starbucks (Yeah I know. But its good here too.)

Coffee Underground

Info taken from http://ezinearticles.com/?Chai-Tea—The-Latte-of-Indian-Teas&id=1104374.