Important note: The term “chai tea” is an oxymoron since “cha” is the Chinese word for tea, and many other countries use a version of that word as well. Essentially, the term chai tea translates to “tea tea.” As we are familiar within the West, Chai tea would be called “masala chai” in India, meaning spiced tea.
Masala chai powder is a blend of aromatic Indian spices used to prepare “chai tea,” gaining popularity worldwide. Typical ingredients include cinnamon, ginger, green cardamom, star anise, clove, and nutmeg. It is not just the taste for most people, but it is a memorable experience.
Masala chai is an aromatic Indian spiced tea prepared in many variations and served hot and cold. Masala chai is a popular drink in South Asia and has become popular worldwide. One of the reasons chai is so famous is that it is an excellent remedy for stomach aches and other common ailments.
Masala chai is now consumed in many parts of the world, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Caribbean, East Africa, the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
But there’s a lot more to know. Keep reading for more masala chai powder tips.
What is the Meaning of Masala Chai?
Masala chai means “spiced tea” and is a light, milky tea with aromatic Indian spices. It is a blend of black tea, herbs, and milk and is loved by tea lovers worldwide.
The Indian spice blend used in masala chai is known as Chai Masala or Chai masala powder. This blend is a mixture of various spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Each of these spices has its unique benefits.
Masala chai is usually made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices (chai masala powder) and then hot milk.
What is Masala Chai Powder Made of?
The spices commonly found in masala chai are cardamom, ginger root, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seed, and black peppercorns. These spices are mixed and ground together using a mortar and pestle. It is a powerful spice blend used to make tea to add a kick. The tea is sometimes also flavored with roasted cumin, fennel, anise, and star anise.
Health Benefits of Masala Chai Powder
A bit of chai masala sprinkled on top of your cup of tea or even stirred into your cup, can add a bit of spice to your day. Here are how chai tea ingredients are good for health:
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar levels. People who regularly consume cinnamon are less likely to develop cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Cinnamon has many health benefits, including lowering your LDL (bad) cholesterol, helping regulate blood sugar levels and decreasing insulin resistance, improving blood circulation, and containing antioxidants that can fight the free radicals responsible for aging, reducing pain and discomfort with arthritis, especially in your lower back. - Green Cardamom
Cardamom is a spice that is popularly used in chai tea. Cardamom is good for our digestive system. It is also ideal for helping with ulcers and lower blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom make it helpful in reducing inflammation that may cause chronic diseases. It also helps to cure bad breath. Cardamom is also used in healing depression. - Star Anise
Star anise is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its dried form is used to treat indigestion, menstrual cramps, and upset stomach. Star anise is used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine to combat anxiety, insomnia, and depression. - Black Pepper
Most of the spices are used for their medicinal qualities. Black pepper is an example. The health benefits of black pepper are not limited to slimming and weight loss. Black pepper may help support gut health, fight cancer, and prevent chronic heart diseases. - Ginger
In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, ginger also plays a crucial role in helping the body lose weight fast, lower blood sugar and cholesterol. It is used in tea as a stimulant to treat bacterial and viral infections like cough, cold, and nausea. - Clove
Cloves are high in nutrients such as manganese (support brain and bone health), iron, and fiber.
- Nutmeg
The health benefits of nutmeg include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, boosting libido and mood, and may help with various health conditions.
How Is Masala Chai Different from Tea?
The word “Tea” is derived from the Chinese word “Cha,” which means “beverage.” Green, Oolong, and Black teas are examples of tea made from the leaves of camellia Sinensis.
The tea plant is native to Central and Southeast Asia. It is now grown primarily in India, China, Japan, Korea, and other countries in the region. The main categories of tea are green, white, black, and Oolong.
Masala chai and tea are two different drinks.
They are both made from black tea, but masala chai also contains spices like cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper, which give it a distinct flavor.
Masala chai is a type of tea that combines black tea and a “masala,” a mixture of aromatic spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger. Masala chai is typically sweetened with milk and flavored with lemon or sugar.
Masala Chai Powder Vs. Liquid (Chai Tea Concentrate)
Chai tea concentrate is a blend of black tea leaves and spices. Masala chai powder is a mix of spices added to the chai tea concentrate. It is a great way to enjoy chai tea without worrying about the mess of brewing tea from scratch and having to strain the tea leaves out of the drink.
Masala chai powder has more shelf life than chai tea concentrate. Once opened, Tazo Chai tea should be kept in the refrigerator and used within 7-10 days after opening.
Chai Tea concentrate is an easy and quick solution to brew and enjoy a cup of soothing chai tea on the go. However, it may not be the best option for those looking for a more authentic taste and who want to make tea from scratch.
Best Masala Tea Powder Brands
A few pinches of chai masala make a perfect cup of chai. It is also known as masala chai or just plain chai. Here are some of the best masala chai powders.
- Go-Yogik Chai Tea Spice Masala
Go-Yogik Chai Tea Spice Masala is a versatile mix of whole organic spices with hints of ginger to give chai an aromatic flavor that is spicy and smooth. The spices are blended artistically to bring out the authentic taste of the original spice.
Add it to chai tea, coffee, oatmeal, or sprinkle it on desserts and baked goods. It helps maintain weight, suitable for people of all age groups as it is a combination of spices and herbs known for their medicinal properties for centuries. - Rani Chai Masala
Rani Chai Masala is a secret blend of Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Nutmeg, and Clove. Chai Masala can be added to your favorite tea for an authentic Chai experience. The blend can be used to aid in weight loss, digestion, preventing heartburn, upset stomach, and digestive disorders. - Pride of India Chai Masala Mix
Bursting with the classic, bold Indian flavors of freshly ground cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, Pride of India Chai Masala Original is a mix that is sure to delight your senses. This Indian-inspired flavoring will add a little something extra to your morning or evening cup. Just add to your favorite milky tea or other beverage.
Photo altered by dejittr.com | Photo attribution: Kamal Preet Kaur
