by Amreen Bi

Created on: August 10, 2009   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

The delicious, healthy and unique taste of chai tea separates it from others. It has long been a popular beverage in South Asia since ancient times and now is just as popular throughout the rest of the world.

Traditionally in Assam, India, tea plants have grown in the wild since ancient times. Many people in South Asia had typically thought of tea as medicinal rather than a recreational beverage. Certain chai mixes which are still currently used are derived from ancient Hindu Ayurveda texts.

During the 1830s, the East India Company was concerned about the Chinese domination on tea production. Up until then China was the largest tea producer in the world and provided most of the tea drank in Great Britain.

The colonists discovered the tea plants growing in Assam and started to cultivate the plants. Tea produced in India and Sri Lanka was started to be largely consumed in Britain instead of Chinese. Within India though tea was still not a widely drank beverage.

The British owned Indian Tea Association created an aggressive promotional campaign to encourage factory, mine and textile owners to provide tea breaks for workers. Many independent tea makers (known as Chai Walla’s) operated close to railway systems too. They were also supported by the ITA.

At first the tea was very simple, only sugar and milk was used. The ITA was not supportive of the idea that chai wallahs were adding spices and more milk and sugar than typical English tea. This was because they then used less tea leaves in the tea.

Due to popular demand by the native people many chai Walla’s did add spices. It is commonly known as masala chai and its popularity as a recreational beverage spread throughout South Asia.

The texture of chai tea is a very bold but smooth rich flavor. Many people think it is similar to coffee. As chai tea contains half the caffeine as coffee, it is a healthier substitute.

There are many health benefits of drinking chai tea. They do depend on what ingredients are used. Every home and company may use various ingredients to suit their own distinct tastes but there are standard ingredients used.

Typical spices used can include: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, fennel, ginger, nutmeg or vanilla. Other spices may also be used. These spices mixed together are said to be calming and aid digestion. On their own these ingredients can have many health benefits too.

Cinnamon is said to reduce the risks associated with diabetes. It can also help lower blood pressure. Cardamom can help aid digestion and relieve muscle spasms. Cloves can help soothe tooth pains and its antiseptic properties can kill harmful bacteria that can cause diarrhea. Ginger is also known to treat diarrhea and other stomach upsets.

As many of these typical spices can work well with other ingredients, it is easy to add your own favorite spice. You can make a fresh cup of chai tea at home. Buy the ingredients fresh and blend at home. Your tea will be healthier and tastier. Some of the spices can be a little pricey though.

You can also buy ready-made chai tea as it is such a popular drink. Some shops do sell fresher blends too.

Creating your own chai tea is a memorable experience. The fragrance and flavor of the aromatic spices will delight your taste buds and offer your body many benefits.

Learn more about this author, Amreen Bi.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.