REJUVENATE YOURSELF WITH MASALA CHAI
Masala chai, also known as spiced tea, is a popular beverage originating from India and has become a staple drink in many cultures around the world.
The word “masala” refers to a blend of spices, and chai is the Hindi word for tea. The traditional recipe for masala chai includes a combination of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper. These spices are boiled with black tea leaves and milk, creating a flavorful and aromatic beverage. The spices used in masala chai have many health benefits, such as helping with digestion and reducing inflammation.
Masala chai has a long history in India, dating back to ancient times when Ayurvedic practitioners would prescribe different spice blends for various ailments. In the 1800s, British colonizers introduced tea to India, and the locals began to incorporate the tea leaves with their traditional spice blends, resulting in the creation of masala chai.
In India, masala chai is often sold by street vendors, known as chai wallahs, who brew the tea in large pots and serve it in small cups. The tea is usually sweetened with sugar or jaggery, a type of unrefined cane sugar. It is also common for people to add their own personal touch to the recipe by adjusting the amount of spices or sugar to their liking.
In recent years, masala chai has gained popularity in Western cultures as well. Many coffee shops and cafes now offer masala chai lattes, where the tea is mixed with steamed milk and sweetened with honey or syrup. Some companies also sell pre-mixed masala chai spice blends and tea bags, making it easy to brew at home.
The spices used in masala chai, such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper, can aid in digestion and relieve stomach discomfort. They can also help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health. Ginger and cinnamon, have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help boost the immune system. The act of brewing and drinking tea can have a calming effect and chamomile, licorice root and tulsi added to the blend can help to soothe and relax the mind and body. The tea leaves used to make masala chai are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against cell damage and improve overall health.
Rejuvenate and revigor yourself with a cup of masala chai at Amma’s South Indian Restaurant.
