Chai Dreams

Chai tea preparation is pretty easy and the spices achieve their full release:

Water temperature: Bring the water to a temperature of around 90 degrees Celsius (194 degrees F) to make sure that black tea and spices extract their full balance of flavor while remaining lack of bitter taste.

Steeping time: Pour one or two teaspoons of the chai tea blend into hot water for four to six minutes. If you want more strong chai tea flavor, steep for longer or simmer the tea on the stove.

Enhancements: It is common to put milk or a milk substitute into chai which makes the drink more viscous. You may also add honey or a little sugar to accentuate the sweetness that is naturally present in the spices.

Enjoy: Drink hot to enjoy warm, spiced, mellow notes or serve chilled to switch the taste of this type of tea.

Black tea — Camellia sinensis
Cinnamon — Cinnamomum verum
Cloves — Syzygium aromaticum
Cardamom — Elettaria cardamomum
Black pepper — Piper nigrum
Star anise — Illicium verum

Aside from being a rich and flavored beverage, Chai contains quite a few spices that have health benefits such as:

Aids Digestion: Everyone loves a good meal… and, just when you think you're full, dessert! The spices in chai, including cardamom and black pepper, can come in handy as they assist in the digestive process and help prevent bloating and discomfort following a meal.

Antioxidants: The composition of black tea is packed with antioxidants that are effective against free radical activity in the body while promoting good health.

Antiinflammatory Agents: Reduction of inflammation through the usage of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom also promotes joints.

Improves Overall Circulation & Lowers Cholesterol: Black tea along with cinnamon and cardamom, invigorates and enhances blood circulation while also lowering cholesterol.

Cloves, Black Pepper, Star Anise Benefits the Immune System: Spices like the star anise, cloves, and black pepper are warming and contain antimicrobial properties that aid in the body's defense against colds and infections.

There is a small population in the world who should be careful with consuming Chai, this group includes anyone with sensitivity to caffeine and the black tea ingredient.

Some of the spices like black pepper and cinnamon may also be causes of mild irritation for individuals with a sensitive stomach.

Women who are pregnant or lactating, people on medication or suffering from particular medical conditions should check with their therapists before making chai tea their daily beverage.