Chai Tea - The spices of life

[mgtidaho]

Contrast to Asian way of drinking tea, the European, India, and now American are hung over Chai, a creamy tea with many spices.  Originate from India, the main ingredients are inexpensive black tea with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger powder, and black pepper.  Sugar and milk are added before serving. 

There are endless ways to make this tea.  With the verity of tea choices today, this drink can now be decaffeinated using Rooibos or decaf breakfast blend.  Black teas have changed over the years.  The best tea in India comes from Darjeeling, Northeastern India.  Due to top soil and high elevation, Darjeeling tea can stand on its own without any added ingredients.

Other Chai I have seen in the market are Pumpkin Spice Chai and Green Tea Chai. Sometime Latte is added to Chai referring to a creamy drink.  Latte is an Italian word that describes a drink made of steamed milk.   We will post some recipes of Latte in Cooking with tea category in the near future.   If you are a tea connoisseur, why not make Chai with all of the best ingredients  and add some spices to your life!