SpicedChai

Types of Chai and Benefits :

No matter what time, day, or place it is, if there is Chai, it is the best thing to happen. For many, Chai is an emotion, especially in Asian countries. People love to sit over a cup of masala chai and have some gossip and intelligent conversations. Our day doesn’t start without a cup of Chai. With that said, Chai is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. But do you know, it is not just the taste and flavor that people love Chai.

It may come to your surprise that there are hundreds of variations in Chai. Different regions have their versions of tea. The ingredients used, the process of brewing, the equipment used, etc. All this makes this beverage the most desirable one, across the globe.

As a regular tea drinker or a tea aficionado, you may want to explore different types of Chai and what health benefits they offer. If that’s the case, we have brought together an informative guide for chai-loving individuals. We will discuss everything you need to know about Chai, its types, and the health benefits it offers.

Let’s get started.

Chai – An Overview :

People may confuse Chai with what people make in the west and other countries. While they all use tea leaves, Chai is a bit distinct. Chai is a flavor for people in the West, but for Asians, Chai is simply tea. Thanks to British colonization, Chai got introduced to Indians. Chai is different from tea because of the spices used in Chai.

India is the land of spices, and there is no surprise why people love a pinch of spice in their tea.

Here are some popular chai spices that are nearly in every version of Chai.

Cinnamon
Cardamom
Cloves
Ginger
Peppercorns
Ajwain
Allspice
Bay leaves
Coriander
Fennel seed
Lemongrass
Mace
Licorice root
Nutmeg
White poppy seeds
Vanilla
Tamarind
Star anise
Saffron
Chocolate

People use a combination of spices for a customized chai mix. And the combination will differ from people to people and region to region.

What are the Different Types of Chai

You will be surprised to know that there are different types of Chai being made and consumed in India. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, and they use the right set of spice mix to prepare their Chai. Here is what you need to know about the different types of Chai.

Ginger “Adrak” Chai

Masala Tea

The idea of masala chai differs from region to region and people to people. The masala chai recipe includes assorted spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. But it can change based on the flavor and taste preferences.

Lembu Chai

If you don’t know, lembu chai is lemon tea, most loved in West Bengal. Tea leaves (green tea) added to boiling water, and a lemon slice gets added. For sweetness, a dash of honey is the best. No milk gets added to Lembu Chai.

Tulsi Chai

Tulsi is also holy basil and is known for its medicinal properties. Tulsi chai is highly consumed during winter months as it helps in soothing the symptoms of cold and fever. Tulsi chai is like masala chai that uses an assortment of spices.

Cardamom Tea

Ginger chai is the go-to beverage for many people when they have a cold and flu. This type of Chai has many medicinal properties that boost your immune system and fight against flu and infection. Fresh ginger gets added to the boiling tea.Cardamom tea is known for its aromatic flavor and soothing taste. The cardamom chai recipe is simple. The ingredients include milk, black tea leaves, cardamom sticks (or powdered), and sugar. All ingredients get added to the boiling milk until the flavors are absorbed.

Sulaimani Chai

You may have never heard of this Chai before. It is also known as Malabar spiced tea and is highly prevalent in Kerala. The ingredients include water, black tea leaves, cinnamon, lime juice, saffron, and palm jaggery (or sugar). You might have noticed that the recipe does not include Milk. It is known for its unique earthy flavor.

Ronga Saah

Ronga Saah is an Assamese chai made without milk. It is crimson red and releases the authentic flavor of the Assam black tea. It can be served with or without sugar.

Kashmiri Kahwa

Kashmiri kahwa is a beloved Kashmiri chai flavored with saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, and even dry fruits. It is prepared using green tea and is served with a sprinkling of dry nuts like almonds, cashews, and cherry pistachios.

These are some unique chai types prepared all over the world. They come with numerous health benefits, and the best part is that there is no trademark way of making these teas. You can use any mix of ingredients to prepare your Chai. As long as it soothes your taste buds, you are right.

Health Benefits of Chai:

Chai is not just about the taste and flavors of different spices and tea types. While tea itself has many health-related benefits, the use of spices, herbs, and other ingredients enhances its effectiveness.

Here are some proven benefits of Chai

Chai – a perfect morning wake-up drink

We prepare chai using black tea leaves (in the majority of the cases). Black tea leaves contain caffeine that is known for giving a little energy boost. It is all you need to kick-start your day. The best part is that caffeine content in Chai is a lot less as compared to coffee.

Aids digestion

If you are having problems with your digestive system, masala chai can help. Masla chai helps to improve blood circulation by delivering fresh oxygen in the gastrointestinal tract.

Reduces nausea

If you are pregnant or having periods, drinking ginger or tulsi chai can help a lot. You can drink Chai if you have morning sickness. Ginger is effective against nausea, and thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, your mornings will be quite excellent.

Relieves pains and aches

The spices used in Chai have anti-inflammatory properties that can help you reduce joint pains and aches. Ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, etc. have anti-inflammatory properties and can increase blood circulation in the affected area

Boosts immune system

Chai is high in compounds like vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Chai helps to produce good bacteria to ensure healthy gut function. Since it directly relates your gut and immune system, consuming Chai can help a lot.

Final Words

You can prepare Chai based on the ingredients and taste palette you like. You can make your spice mix and enjoy different chai types every day with the added health benefits.