Masala Chai Tea: Everything You Need to Know about India’s Staple Stimulant

Masala chai is quite famous in India because of its flavour and aroma. The chai drives away fatigue in a few minutes. India’s original masala chai tea TPS blend features spices such as ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, and black pepper. 

Every manufacturing company and tea enthusiast will have unique preferences for the masalas used in the tea. Thus, two cups of masala chai rarely taste exactly the same. 

If you are wondering, “where to buy masala chai tea?” then don’t worry. You can buy masala chai online at The Pahadi Story. But what is the history and benefit of this chai? We answer those questions below.

The History of Masala Chai 

Masala chai originated in a primitive king's court thousands of years in India. It is said that a king invented it as a purifying, energising Ayurvedic beverage.

There is a wide variety of spices in masala chai and you can prepare it in various methods. In the early days, as a mild illness cure, one would drink it either warm or cold. The spicy-sweet drink had no tea leaves and was caffeine-free at the time.

The British-owned Indian Tea Association started promoting Indian tea consumption in India in the early 1900s. Since black tea was the most expensive component, vendors flavoured their brews with milk, sweetener, and spices to cut costs. The popularity of masala chai grew.

In the 1960s, masala chai tea gained popularity in India when motorised tea production made black tea accessible to the Indian masses. This is when Indians began to ask “where can I buy masala chai tea?”

Market stalls and train vendors, also known as chai wallahs, started serving masala chai to the public throughout the region. In an Indian household, individuals serve chai as a greeting beverage. 

Benefits of Masala Chai 

Not only is masala chai full of zesty flavour that rejuvenates you, but it is also beneficial to your health. Given below are some health benefits of drinking masala chai:

Improves Immunity

Masala tea is beneficial to the immune response because it includes cinnamon and clove. The two substances are known for their medical benefits and are proven to boost immunity. Their collaborative role generates a layer of defence that prevents infections from weakening the immune system. 

Reduces Inflammation

The predominant spice used in the preparation of this beverage, known as masala chai, is ginger. Thus, masala tea is highly anti-inflammatory. Studies have identified that ginger has a beneficial effect on the human body. 

Helps in Digestion 

The ingredients in masala tea, such as clove, basil, and cardamom, aid digestion. When you add ginger to the mixture, the impact increases. It has a cooling and relaxing effect on the body. 

Rich in Antioxidants

Masala tea's common constituent is black tea, which has antioxidizing qualities. Using cardamom and clove in the masala chai inherently combats high cholesterol. As a result, the creation of plaques that cause barriers and lead to heart disease lessens. 

Helps Prevent Cancer

Studies show that masala tea's powerful anti-oxidizing properties can help reduce cancer. Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom have all shown properties that help prevent cancer. 

How to Make Masala Chai 

The exact ingredients vary depending on the manufacturer or recipe. But, a typical mix contains ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, black pepper, and/or fennel. You can buy masala chai online or buy the leaves and make your own blend of spices at home. 

Here’s a recipe you can follow:

1. Take small amounts of cloves, cardamoms, ginger, and fennel. Ground them with a pestle and keep the chai masala aside. 
2. In a saucepan, take 2 cups of water, 4 tablespoons of tea, and chai masala as per your preference. 
3. Boil the water for 4 minutes until you get a strong fragrance from it. 
4. Add 1 cup of milk and sugar as per your choice. 
5. Bring it to a boil and let it sit for 3 minutes. Then, strain it and serve the masala chai. 

Make your chai masala mixture without overthinking it. The ratios are easily adjustable to fit your needs. Don't be afraid to experiment with the spices by using them in different ratios.

Conclusion

To conclude whatever ingredients you use, you'll probably agree that there is no one way to make masala chai perfectly. You may prefer it mild, while others prefer it “kadak” or strong, even without milk or with a different combination of spices. 

As you have noticed, not only does masala chai have a sensational taste, but it also has several health benefits. So, enjoy your masala chai without any worry!