A cup of chai tea has less than a quarter of the caffeine as a cup of coffee and is packed with lots of health benefits.
Chai spice blends can help reduce stress while improving health - the antithesis of coffee basically. This traditionally Indian beverage is a combination of black tea, spices and warm milk.
Chai is traditionally boiled with fresh spices, but can be more readily prepared by adding powdered spice blends to black tea. It is also available in flavored teas. Either way it is delicious, especially when prepared with hot milk.
Chai's exotic flavor varies with the spices used in its preparation. It is traditionally prepared with cinnamon, clove, cardamon, black pepper and nutmeg, among other spices like ginger and vanilla. The aroma is amazing and the beverage is served just as well iced as it is hot.
I was recently inspired to experiment with making my own chai blends. These handcrafted spices are actually quite easy to make and would be great as gifts. I am shocked at the difference a fresh ground spice makes!
I prepare all of my spices & blends with the freshest ingredients possible. For example, I buy fresh ginger, then dry and grind it. While not necessary, I think it's worth the extra effort.
I am including a recipe here for a basic spice blend, as well as a list of the spices and their health benefits. You can make a chai blend on your own or contact me if you're interested in me selling you some of mine.
Enjoy! :)
Chai Masala Spice Blend Recipe
Makes 1 and 1/2 cups of powder.
1/4 cup cinnamon sticks
1/8 cup cloves
1/4 cup black peppercorns
1/4 cup green cardamom seeds
6 black cardamom seeds
1/4 cup mace
1 tbsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup dried ginger powder
Dry roast all ingredients except the dried ginger powder and powdered nutmeg in a cast iron pan on low heat for 5-7 mins. Remove to a plate and cool before grinding into a very fine powder in coffee or spice grinder. Add the nutmeg & ginger and grind some more.
Store in a cool place in an airtight container.
Here are a few possible creations...
banana bread flavor, orange julius, oatmeal cookie, ginger snap, creme brûlée and pumpkin donut.
You could also add some of these wonderful ingredients and spices...
chocolate, lemongrass, saffron, licorice root, bay leaves and coriander.
Here are a few ingredients, along with a few of their health uses and known benefits:
Cinnamon - increases circulation, open breathing, increase awareness and vitality.
Cardamom - for the lungs, kidneys, and heart. Improves mood.
Clove - pain-relieving and antiseptic attributes. Increases the potency of other herbs.
Black Pepper- Improves circulation and supports metabolism.
Nutmeg-relieves sciatica and promotes digestion. Nutmeg has also been used to treat the kidneys and lymphatic system.
Chinese Star Anise-cough remedy and breath freshener.
Ginger-stimulates the circulatory and immune systems.
Fennel-is used to treat both kidney and ocular problems and laryngitis.