The Indian Chai
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India is a land of tea-holics. Having tea is a kind of ritual in India! Chai, what tea is more informally known, has evolved from a common man's beverage to a whole new way of life for today's young and old. Great Chai can often be found in Indian restaurants along with great food. It is reflective of the cultures and values of the people and is very much an integral part of the sub continent.
Chai is a tea based beverage that came about the turn of the century when drinking tea was considered an elite affair. It is a centuries-old beverage which has played an important role in many cultures. Finding the initial flavor strong, the beverage was experimented with by adding milk, spices, sugar etc. and thus Chai was born. |
Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. Chai has no rules. You can make it the way you like. Drink it the way you like. Even drink it whenever you like. It's got no stiff upper lip rituals and spares you the embarrassment of not knowing the difference between mocha and a macchiato. Tea had been known for millennia in India as a medicinal plant, traded with the Chinese for spices, but was not drunk for pleasure until the British began to establish plantations in the 19th century.
In 1824 tea plants were discovered in the hills along the frontier between Burma and the Indian state of Assam. The British introduced tea culture into India in 1836. At first they used seeds from China, but later seeds from the Assam plant were used. Only black tea was produced until recent decades.
Many industry analysts are predicting that Chai will eventually become as popular and common as coffee lattes and cappuccinos. India was the top producer of tea for nearly a century, but was displaced by China as the top tea producer in the 21st century. While India is the largest consumer of tea worldwide, the per-capita consumption of tea in India remains a modest 750 grams per person every year.
In the past three years we've seen a phenomenal growth in the popularity and interest in Chai. Chai has become very common at over-the-counter specialty beverage shops and there is a growing line of prepackaged consumer products. There are a number of foreign brands such as those of Tetley and tycoon that along with Indian enterprises have created powerful position in the tea bazaar.
Chai is spreading across classes and has been constantly evolving. The flavor of Chai may change from one region to another, but the ease at which it brings people together never will. It is enjoyed by all classes alike. The warmth and casualness that is associated with this beverage is what makes it so exceptional. |
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Author: Ritu Naiya
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/tea-articles/the-indian-chai-1102010.html
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Chai Tea Benefits Trivia:
Did you know that:
The black tea base of chai tea is typically of the Assam or Ceylon variety. Both of these varieties are grown in the South Asian region where a huge percentage of the world's black tea supplies come from. Chai tea originated in India where the abundance of both black tea and culinary spices naturally resulted in the development of this gastronomic tea delight.
Cinnamon is one of the ingredient spices in chai tea. This delightful spice has been found to help improve blood circulation as well as help in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body. It is similarly used as an ingredient in pastries and candies.
Cardamom is another spice that contributes to the richness of the flavor in chai tea. It comes from an evergreen plant mostly grown in India and Guatemala. It has a pungent and aromatic flavor that may help in the relief of certain digestive problems.
Antioxidants in chai tea help fight the damages wrought by free radicals which are viewed as the source of many of today's debilitating diseases. Did you know that aside from the catechins that are so abundant in tea, there are a lot of other types of antioxidants? Discover them all here.
Chai tea can sometimes be made using oolong tea or green tea as its base. Both of these teas are believed to provide considerably higher levels of antioxidants than black tea due to the shorter oxidation process that these teas undergo. However, the practice of adding milk to chai tea is said to dilute the antioxidant benefits of the tea.
Chai tea has a considerable content of Vitamin B1 or thiamine. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that enables the body to use its carbohydrate intake for energy-use. It also helps enhance blood circulation. Discover the benefits of thiamine here.
The quality of the water used to brew the tea is very important. It is believed that the water used must be free of contaminants and contain enough oxygen to enhance the natural flavor of the tea. Teas made with pure water yield a crisp flavor and a clear brew that is aesthetically pleasant. Learn more about the health benefits of water here.
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