India has a rich tea culture and one of the most popular tea blends in the country is Masala tea. The word masala means “a blend of spices” in Hindi. Masala tea is a quintessential beverage in Indian households and a staple of their morning routine. The traditional masala tea is made by brewing tea with a blend of aromatic spices including cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. The spicy aroma and warm flavor make it a perfect pick-me-up beverage during winter or monsoon days. In this blog post, we will take a look at the world of Masala Tea, its history, ingredients, and how to make it.
The history of masala tea is rooted in Ayurveda or Indian medicine. Ayurveda suggests that spices are beneficial to one’s health and can help prevent ailments. Traditionally, the masala tea ingredients were chosen for their medicinal properties such as immunity boosters, digestion aids, and warmth providers. With time, masala tea became a popular beverage with everyone, regardless of its medicinal properties. Today, masala tea is an essential part of Indian culture and is enjoyed by people worldwide.
The ingredients used to make masala tea can vary depending on the region, household, or individual preferences. However, some of the most commonly used ingredients are ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black tea leaves, and milk. The spices are usually ground into a fine powder and added to the boiling water along with tea leaves. The mixture is then simmered for a few minutes and served with milk and sugar, per individual taste. Some variations of masala chai also include fennel seeds, black pepper, and star anise.
Making masala tea is an art. The perfect blend of spices and tea leaves can provide a rich aroma and subtle taste. To make the perfect masala tea, start by boiling water in a pot and adding spices to it. Once the mixture comes to a boil, add the tea leaves and let the mixture steep for 3-4 minutes. Add milk and sugar to taste and bring the mixture back to boil. Once it comes to boil, strain the tea and enjoy. There are many variations to this recipe, and you can always experiment with different types and quantities of spices to suit your taste buds.
Masala tea has many benefits that make it a preferred beverage for most Indians. The spices used in the tea have medicinal properties that help in digestion, provide warmth, and boost immunity. The black tea used in Masala tea contains antioxidants that help in reducing stress and improving heart health. The presence of ginger in Masala tea can help fight inflammation and boost immunity. Masala tea is not only a delicious beverage but also a healthy one.
Conclusion:
Masala tea has gained worldwide popularity and is a favorite of many. The blend of spices, tea leaves, and milk creates a unique flavor and aroma that is hard to resist. The rich history of masala tea and its medicinal properties make it a popular choice for a warm beverage in the morning or evening. Making masala tea is easy, and its ingredients can be modified according to personal preferences. With the colder months around the corner, Masala tea will be a perfect beverage to warm up and enjoy the comforts of home.