17th c. Masala Chai

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INGREDIENTS: Allspice, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Ginger, Nutmeg, Star Anise
Nightshade Free
 
Masala Chai, also known as spiced tea, is a beloved beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries in India and other parts of South Asia. Masala Chai is a fragrant blend of spices, typically brewed with black tea leaves and milk, and sweetened with sugar or honey.
 
The 17th-century Masala Chai blend is a unique combination of allspice, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, and star anise. Each of these spices adds its own distinct flavor and aroma to the blend, creating a complex and tantalizing taste experience.
 
Allspice, with its warm and slightly sweet flavor, adds a subtle layer of complexity to the blend. Black pepper, a staple spice in many cuisines, adds heat and depth. Cardamom, with its sweet and floral notes, adds a delicate touch of flavor. Cinnamon, another ancient spice, is used in the Masala Chai blend to add a warm and comforting aroma. Its sweet and spicy flavor is perfectly complemented by the savory notes of clove and the zesty taste of ginger. Nutmeg, with its warm and slightly sweet flavor, adds another layer of complexity to the blend. Finally, star anise adds a licorice-like flavor and aroma that rounds out the blend and gives it a unique character.
 
The history of Masala Chai dates back thousands of years, with its origins shrouded in myth and legend. It is said that the ancient Ayurvedic texts, which were written around 5000 years ago, recommended spiced tea as a medicinal drink to aid digestion and boost immunity. Over time, the drink evolved into a beloved beverage enjoyed for its rich flavors and aromas.
 
The addition of black tea leaves to Masala Chai is a relatively recent development. In 1835, the British set up tea farms in Assam, India, and began to experiment with blending black tea leaves with the traditional Masala Chai spices. The resulting blend became known as Masala Chai and quickly gained popularity among the British and Indian populations alike.
 
Today, Masala Chai is enjoyed worldwide and can be found in many different variations. Whether brewed with traditional spices or with unique blends, Masala Chai continues to be a beloved beverage that celebrates the rich history and culture of South Asia.
 
Here is a recipe card for brewing a cup of 17th-century Masala Chai:
 
17th Century Masala Chai Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon loose black tea leaves
1 teaspoon 17th century Masala Chai spice blend
1-2 teaspoons sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, bring the water and milk to a boil over medium heat.
Add the 17th century Masala Chai spice blend to the pot and stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the loose black tea leaves to the pot and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a cup.
Sweeten with sugar or honey, to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich and complex flavors of 17th century Masala Chai.
Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of 17th century Masala Chai with this simple and satisfying recipe.
 
We grind all of them together and package them just before shipping to ensure you get the freshest blend we can create.