Chai is one of the most popular loose leaf tea varieties around the globe and rightly so. People love it for its rich aroma and warming spices. With every sip, you can savour a comforting blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and cloves, creating a heavenly aromatic sensation. The beauty of the tea is in its diversity.
There are numerous blends offering unique tastes and twists, enough to suit every palate. If you love the classic taste, you can choose a masala chai loose leaf blend or opt for a spicier kick if that’s what you prefer. Either way, this delightful beverage is a must-try for every tea lover who enjoys exploring new and exciting flavours.
Popular Chai Loose Leaf Tea Blends
First things first, is loose leaf chai tea good for you? Many people love drinking it for its taste, but did you know that it also offers numerous health benefits? The spices commonly found in chai such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves are known for their medical properties. They can help regulate blood sugar, detoxify the body, and reduce inflammation and help in the fight against bacterial infections.
The rich blend of spices not only provides a heavenly sensation but also contributes to your overall well-being. This is just another reason to add this beverage to your tea collection and enrich it with either a classic choice of masala chai loose leaf or other blends for a spicier flavourful journey.
Classic Masala Chai
Masala tea is a staple in many households and a cherished part of daily routines. Masala actually means a blend of spices, and chai simply means tea. Together, they create a delightful concoction that is both comforting and invigorating.
At the heart of the tea is a robust black tea which serves as the perfect base, providing a rich, malty backdrop that balances the complexity of the spices. The signature spices that this blend combines are cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom and black pepper. Each spice gives unique characteristics to the blend and together they create a harmonious blend of flavours.
For instance, cinnamon adds a swede and woody note, while cardamom provides a fragrant, slightly citrusy essence. Ginger is giving that spicy kick while cloves offer a deep, aromatic spice with a hint of sweetness. Black pepper is the ingredient that ties everything together as it adds a pungent heat that tastes just amazing. These spices are also often enhanced by other ingredients like fennel seeds, star anise or nutmeg.
Preparing classic masala chai is an art form in itself. The blend that you can buy ready at many tea or healthy stores is prepared the following way.
Traditionally, the spices are gently crushed which starts the process of releasing their essential oils and them simmered with water to extract their flavours. The black tea is then added to the simmering spiced water, allowing it to steep and infuse with the spices. At the end of the process, milk and sweetener (sugar or honey) are added which helps to create a creamy, sweet and spicy beverage.
The result is a deeply satisfying and rich beverage in both flavour and aroma. It;s a drunk that not only warms your body, but it soothes the soul. It’s a perfect companion for chilly mornings, afternoon breaks or evening relaxations.
A classic masala tea is more than just a drink, it’s an experience that brings comfort, warmth and a touch of tradition to every cup.
Vanilla Chai
If vanilla is just your cup of tea, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn there is also a blend with a delightful vanilla aroma. It’s a sensational twist on traditional chai which combines the warm spices of cinnamon. Cardamom and ginger with the smooth and creamy essence of vanilla.
The result is a rich combination that creates a comforting and flavorful aromatic sensation. The sweet notes of vanilla enhance the spicy undertones, and as such, it's just the perfect beverage for cosy afternoons or evening indulgence.
Spicy Chai
The spicy blend takes traditional tea to the next level with an extra kick of spices. The blend of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and black pepper offers a warming and aromatic experience that is perfect for those who love intense flavours. It's a must-try for any tea-passionate lover.
Chocolate Chai
There is something also for those with a sweet tooth. The chocolate tea blend combines the rich, velvety flavours of cocoa with the warm spices of traditional chai. It’s a sweet indulgence that creates just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Ideal for chocolate lovers, this blend is a delicious treat for any time of the day.
Herbal Chai
The herbal blend is a combination of soothing herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger and cardamom. It’s a blend that provides a calming aromatic experience, perfect for winding down in the evening.
Decaf Chai
The decaf tea blend contains all the rich and spicy flavours of the traditional masala, just without the caffeine. This is a perfect choice for those who love the taste of chai but cannot tolerate caffeine. You can still enjoy the comforting spices of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger any time of the day, without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
