Chai Tea is the perfect winter warmer, and we have a new and improved Chai blend.
Our new Chai blend is a harmonious combination of second-flush black tea from selected gardens in Assam, enriched with natural ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon pieces. This blend is inspired by the traditional Masala Chai we've enjoyed in Kolkata and Assam, and we’ve worked hard to honour the origins of the tea and spices used.
The Origins Of Chai Tea
Origin: Assam, India
Cultivar: Camellia sinensis var. Assamica
Name: Chai translates to "tea" in Hindi and many other Indian languages. You might also know this as Masala Chai, meaning "tea with spices."
Style: Single Origin black tea combined with cinnamon, cardamom and ginger.
Terroir: Assam in Northeast India has tea gardens that flank the Brahmaputra River, one of Asia's most important rivers. The river feeds the gardens by providing nutrient-rich, clay-like soil; the area is low-lying, and the summer is humid.
Leaf: Fine black leaves interspersed with small spice pieces.
Oxidation: 100%
Infusion: A red-ochre hue with golden undertones.
What is Chai Tea?
Chai, or Masala Chai, is a beloved beverage throughout India. Traditionally, it’s made by boiling black tea with a blend of spices, then simmering it with milk, water, and sugar. Chai is more than just a drink, it’s a cultural staple, providing warmth, comfort, and energy in the bustling cities of Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, as well as in cooler rural areas.
In India, the preparation of Masala Chai varies by region, with different preferences for spices and methods. For example, "cutting chai" in Mumbai often highlights fresh ginger, while cardamom tends to be the dominant spice elsewhere. Some variations include black pepper, cloves, salt, or even lemon.
Crafting The Perfect Chai
Tom, our Head of Tea, was tasked with creating an authentic Chai blend. The journey began with selecting the perfect base tea.
In many places, including the UK, Chai is often made with lower-quality tea that provides strength and colour but lacks flavour. We wanted our tea to be the star of the blend, so we chose high-grade Single Origin Assam tea from the second flush season. Assam tea is renowned for its strength, robust body, and distinctive maltiness, making it the ideal foundation for our Chai.
Next, Tom experimented with various spices to find the perfect balance for our tea. He settled on ginger, for its warmth; cinnamon, for its sweetness; and cardamom, for its spicy notes. Together, these spices create a highly aromatic and flavourful drink.
While we considered other spices like black pepper and cloves, we found they either didn’t complement the tea or introduced undesirable flavours. Our final blend focuses on delivering a naturally sweet and richly spiced experience, without the bitterness or medicinal notes that can come from overheating certain spices.
When Is The Best Time To Drink Chai Tea?
This tea is a pick-me-up and a comforter. Its strength and spicy nature will give you energy, while the sweetness from the milk and the familiarity of the black tea and milk combination might comfort you. It all depends on how you make it.
How To Make Chai Tea
Chai Tea Recipe:
This method ensures you get the full flavour of the Assam tea, enhanced by the spices. While it might seem like a lot of leaf, remember that some of the weight comes from the spices. Here’s how to prepare it:
Tea: 5g Chai
Water Temperature: 100˚C
Infusion Time: 4 minutes
Milk: Add hot milk for added thickness and sweetness.
This method highlights the natural sweetness of cinnamon and balances all the ingredients perfectly.
Traditional Chai Recipe
For a more indulgent experience or a taste of traditional Indian Chai, try this method:
Ingredients:
125ml whole milk
250ml water (preferably filtered)
8g Chai
Sugar to taste
Method:
Add milk, water, and tea to a small pan.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Strain and serve immediately.
This method produces a thick, spicy, sweet, and irresistibly moreish Chai that captures the essence of India.
JING Chai is a warming, sweet, and aromatic tea that’s indulgent yet energising - everything you’d expect from a perfect Chai. While it can be enjoyed black, it’s designed to be paired with milk. We recommend adding hot milk to enhance its thickness and sweetness, creating a comforting cup of tea.