Bite into Your Tea! 5 Great Ways to Use Tea in Cooking!

Did you know - the steaming hot cup of tea that everyone craves from dawn to dusk, is not just a comforting beverage but can also be used as an ingredient in some of your favourite foods?

Tea is an extremely versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. From soups to desserts and beverages, there are many ways to incorporate tea into cooking. Whether you want to add a subtle, aromatic flavour or a bold, unique twist, tea is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Here are 5 great ways to utilise tea in cooking:

1. Use tea in soups!

The simplest way to use tea in cooking is by replacing water with it. Start by brewing tea and let it get to room temperature. Now use it in any recipe that needs water. Think of tea almost as a fragrant spice and imagine the flavours that it would pair well with. For example, the clean flavours of green tea pair well with vegetables, while black tea flavours well with heartier ingredients like mushrooms. All you need to do is Buy organic green tea online in India and use that green tea while making ramen, vegetables or any stew.

2. Make a tea-infused marinade or sauce

One of the simplest ways to incorporate tea into your cooking is by using it as a marinade or sauce. Simply steep a few tea bags in hot water, remove the bags, and mix the tea with your choice of herbs, spices, and other marinade ingredients. This method is great for adding a subtle yet aromatic flavour to poultry, and vegetables. You can also use brewed tea as a base for a dipping sauce or glaze, adding in other ingredients like honey, soy sauce, or citrus juice for extra flavour.

3. Use tea to add depth to baked goods

Tea can also be used to add depth and flavour to baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and breads. You can either use brewed tea in place of water or milk in the recipe, or add ground tea leaves directly into the dry ingredients. For example, you can mix ground matcha into a vanilla cake batter for a green tea twist, or add chai tea spices to a chocolate cookie recipe for a spicy kick. Using tea in baked goods is a great way to add a unique flavour profile and surprise your guests with something unexpected.

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Chais of India: Around the Country in 5 Teas

With chai…there’s always a happily ever after.

It all began with the British importing the first tea plants from China around 1830s, and planting them on large estates in Assam. The commercial production and processing of tea that came later is what revolutionized the way we consume tea today. Currently, the vast expanses of Assam, Darjeeling and many other places are hub to a variety of tea growing states with the geographical indication of some of the best organic green tea brands in India.

Throughout this tea-loving country, from Assam to Gujarat, Kashmir to Kochi, and Mumbai to Munnar, every region has its own version of tea. From the premium blends by one of the best green tea companies in India: Wagh Bakri to the kulhads at the various tea stalls, all of them are testimony to how these tea varieties mould the ethnic diversity, subtle culture, and wide range of Indian traditions into one.

So, below we list some of these unique chai varieties that are the result of the diverse and vibrant culture of the Indian subcontinent.

1. Masala Chai

Masala Chai is a concoction of aromatic Indian spices and herbs with loose black tea. Masala chai has gained popularity all over the world and is now a common ingredient in many tea shops. It is believed that the Indian Subcontinent is where masala chai first originated. There is no written document of the earliest Masala Chai recipe, but one can trace the concoction back to experiments conducted with Indian spices in the past.

The most widely used spices for masala chai are cardamom and ginger. Over time its flavour was only enhanced as every generation added different spices to its recipe. Moreover, a chai lover can also opt for a variety of these Masala Chai flavours pre-made from the best tea brand in India.

2. Lebu cha

This unique blend is particularly popular all over the state of West Bengal. Lebu means lemon and cha means chai in Bangla. Every household and vendor has its own unique method for preparing the perfect Lebu Cha and hence one can find diverse varieties of this blend across the state. Lebu Cha is a strong black tea that is freshly brewed, flavoured with lemon and poured into a glass or cup.

It is Bengal's own interpretation of spiced tea, with an added tinge of lemon. This street-style tea is created by steeping tea leaves in water and then adding a special masala, or moshla, that is made from a blend of black salt, pepper, ginger powder, and a few other masalas. Since the tea doesn't include any milk, sugar is usually added to balance the tea's sour and salty flavours.

3. Green tea

Green tea dates back to 2737 B.C. in China. Its discovery happened by chance when the Chinese Emperor Shennong mistakenly drank water with a boiled dead tea leaf in it. He found the flavour refreshing, and thus a new beverage was created. Green tea is sourced from the dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. Green tea is among the least processed teas and is generally regarded as a healthy drink, especially when processed correctly as done by one of the best organic green tea brands in India.

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Store Your Spiced Tea Right! Here's How…

How does a regular Indian family start their normal day?

A pot of chai boiling on the stove and bubbles rising above it along with a strong aroma taking over all your senses. “Chai.” It never fails to elate us,with its aroma infusing the air and spreading a refreshingly fragrant message of its arrival.

But as we see it today, chai has undergone a lot of changes in the 5000 years of Indian and Asian civilisation to become our all-time favourite beverage. Many ancient cultures used spices combined with water to create medicinal infusions and treatments. The earliest variant closest to chai was in the form of Kadha. It was only in the 1800s that this all-season beverage was mixed with black tea leaves, milk and sweetener which today is referred to as ‘masala chai.’

Interesting? You can read more about the history of masala chai in an earlier blog.

Why does storing tea matter?

We have all come across cases where our tea has tasted a bit off or stale at times. Though tea doesn’t expire, storing it improperly can easily alter the overall flavour and aroma.

Moreover, the shelf life of every tea is very different. It depends on various aspects like the type of tea and how it was produced and how it is stored. For instance, white or green tea has the shortest lifespan and can be used for up to a year if handled well. On the other hand, flavoured teas with lemon, herbs or spices can last from six months to a year. And darker teas like oolong or black tea can last for 1-2 years or even more.

Now that we know how much spiced tea or any other tea can last, let's understand how to store it properly to make it last longer. You can also buy spiced tea online from our store!

1. Store tea in airtight jars

Tea is hygroscopic meaning it is prone to absorb moisture from the air and release its flavour when exposed to moisture. As the creators of the best online tea in India, we suggest storing tea in a dry environment away from moisture or damp areas.

To restrict exposure, teas should always be stored in an airtight container or bag, flask, metal case and even wooden box. When storing in a bag make sure that it is resealable. When using a jar, tin, stainless steel or ceramic are recommended as materials for the jars. The best containers are usually airtight metal ones.

2. Store tea away from light and heat

Light exposure can degrade your tea and impact its freshness and quality. Light and heat speed up the oxidation process and hence significantly affects the taste and quality of tea. A clear canister may make your tea look pretty but direct exposure to sunlight or heat from stove top and ovens can bleach the tea and even result in a metallic taste.

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Varie-Tea of CHAI on the Best Online Tea Store in India

Everyone knows about Indians and their eternal love for TEA! For others, the human body has a majority percentage of water, but in the case of Indians, we have chai running in our veins. It doesn’t matter what time or place it is, for tea, it’s always a yes from us!

So, how does this one drink suit everyone’s taste and become a national phenomenon? It is all because of the VARIETY! Tea comes in several flavours and can be prepared in different ways to suit everyone’s taste and liking. Wagh Bakri, India’s most trusted tea brand which also has one of the best online tea stores in India, is here to enlighten you with tea variations present online for you to enjoy every sip.

But first…Know where it comes from!

All the types of tea coming up in the blog come from one tea plant! Camellia Sinensis, an evergreen shrub that may grow up to sixty feet in the wild. Its leaves and leaf buds are the parts that eventually wind up in a cup of tea. Similar to wine, where the tea is cultivated, the climate, soil conditions and how the leaves are processed determine the flavour it gets. Now let’s see what kind of varieties we have for you to buy tea online!

The premium original TEA!

Let’s start with the classic blend. The quintessential Indian tea, made from strong CTC (Cut, tear, curl) tea and milk, is infused with a sweetness. The fine quality tea leaves are specially handpicked from selected quality gardens and give a strong taste to the milky and sweet tea. 

This classic flavour combination has stood the test of time. The warm taste of this tea, which is available all year long, has been winning hearts all over Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh as well. Almost every tea brand has this classic blend in their collection. Wagh Bakri offers region-specific blends for supreme consumer satisfaction. And all these teas are available to buy online on ecommerce tea website buytea.com

Black tea

This is the strongest and most oxidised tea in the tea family. A simple drink made using tea leaves or powder and no milk. It can be prepared using sweetener or without it too. It has a mellow aroma and a brisk taste. The tea is very healthy and rich in antioxidants which boosts heart health and helps energise instantly.

It is super easy to prepare one cup of black tea. Just boil some water, add tea leaves to it and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove the tea from the flame and keep it closed for just another few minutes for the flavours to steep in. Add sugar if you like and strain the tea into a cup. Serve hot!

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The Stress-Busting Magic of Black Tea

Since the pandemic hit, studies have suggested that stress and anxiety among people have also risen. A Delhi-based preventive healthcare platform, The Center of Healing (TCOH), conducted a study and found that 74 percent and 88 percent of Indians are suffering from stress and anxiety respectively. We know it’s hard, but what if we told you that all this stress could lessen with just ek cup masala chai?

Yes! Various studies have shown that a limited amount of black tea helps in aiding stress and anxiety.

Let’s dig deeper

But first, let’s know more about this concoction!

All teas originate from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. The plant has been grown and harvested to produce tea for hundreds of years and has caffeine as well as other stimulants and antioxidants. First grown in rocky, mountainous regions of China and India, this is now grown in countries throughout Asia and across the globe.

If they are of the same plant then why is black tea black and green tea green? The colour of the brewed tea depends on how the tea leaves are processed. With oxidation, the process of exposing green leaves to moist oxygen rich air, the leaves turn to a dark brownish-black colour. This oxidation can be controlled by tea manufacturers. Black tea is a fully oxidized tea. Green tea comes from the same plant, but is not oxidized.

Moreover, it is also said that Camellia sinensis assamica, the larger-leafed varietal of the plant, is typically used to produce black tea. Originated in Assam in India, it grows in warm, moist climates and is prolific in sub-tropical forests. On the other hand Camellia sinensis, the smaller-leafed variety, is typically used to make green and white teas.

Ensure you’re getting the freshest black tea to sip and buy black tea online in India or you may even choose to buy organic tea online. Or perhaps like most Indians you are a fan of masala chai, in which case, you may choose to buy masala tea online.

So how does this drinking tea help during anxiety?

Anxiety and stress may have mental symptoms like excessive worrying and feeling restless along with physical symptoms such as  jitters and changes in sleep patterns. This leaves a negative impact on the body and can hamper everyday life. People suffering from anxiety may be able to find an oasis of calm and clarity with a cup of black tea. It was found in several independent studies that people who drink black tea remain more relaxed and at ease.

In 2021, the tea advisory panel published a study stating how just 2-3 cups of black tea or green tea a day can help boost brain and mind health. If we go a little back, according to another 2006 study by Andrew Steptoe, a researcher at the University College London, drinking black tea may speed up people’s recovery from the daily stresses of life. Although it does not appear to reduce the actual levels of stress we experience, tea does seem to have a greater effect in bringing stress hormone levels back to normal.

Word of caution: Though moderate amounts of black tea may help relieve stress, when overdone, it may also increase anxiety and nervousness.

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How Masala Tea Became a Phenomenon in India

It’s peak monsoon. Imagine sitting on your balcony, newspaper in hand, watching the rain come pouring down. Now imagine adding a piping hot cup of steamy Masala chai to this already dreamy scenario! Makes you crave that hot cup of chai right now, doesn’t it?

Enter Masala Tea. The sweet and spiced-up concoction is made from a mixture of ingredients like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. And there are as many versions as there are spices! Based on their preferences people add or omit ingredients from it, to get the spicy, strong, malty flavour.

The most trusted and best tea company in India, Wagh Bakri has its own version! And all you have to do to try this lovely aromatic concoction loved by the whole country is search for Wagh Bakri + Buy Masala Tea Online in India to visit buytea.com

But who came up with this idea of adding masala or spice to chai?

For this, let’s take you back in time!

It may be surprising but masala chai is believed to have originated in the royal courts of India. Though there are several versions to the story of how the first cup of masala chai came into existence, according to lore, approximately 5,000 years ago Indian emperors used to enjoy a brewed drink of spices to stay alert in long courtly meetings. This herbal drink was also an Ayurvedic medicine known as ‘Karha’ and was also considered a precautionary measure against various ailments of the body.

In 1800, Britishers introduced black tea leaves to India. They were hooked to the taste of Chinese tea and by the 1830s, they were consuming a stunning 40 million pounds per year. When the demand for tea exceeded, the Chinese raised their prices, so the Britishers started looking for alternative sources. Until 1870, more than 90% of England’s tea consumption was supported by China’s monopoly. But that dropped to 10% by 1900 as the Britishers noticed that tea was growing wild in Assam, India. So they formalised tea growing in India. And over the years, 90% of the British tea-drinking demand was met by tea grown in British India and British Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). But don’t worry, India’s most trusted tea brand and the best tea company in India is 100% desi. And if that doesn’t make you want to buy masala chai online in India..read on.

Though the tea exports went high, consumption in India was still low. So with an increase in the production and supply of tea in the early 20th century, the British-owned India Tea Association decided to encourage the nation to drink this caffeinated beverage. They started by giving tea to workers in factories, mines, and textile mills during their break. This campaign worked! And tea slowly trickled into every nook and corner of India. That it would meet the original Ayurvedic spiced drink called karha was inevitable!

Early advertisements showed how to prepare tea with the right brew and so on. But Indians developed their own techniques. As tea leaves were still expensive for the common man, people started adding spices like fresh ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves, to enhance the flavours of this brew. They also increased the quantity of milk and sugar. This helped create an aromatic and tasty drink at a low cost. The same drink that we today buy and brew as masala chai in India or masala tea in India. The Britishers didn’t like masala chai or masala tea as adding spices meant using less tea per serving and eventually lower profits. Hence, they shut down all such tea stalls. But that didn’t stop Indians from loving masala chai.

Even after the Independence, there was no looking back! Since then, masala chai has gained successful global recognition with its foreign relative, chai tea latte hitting the right spots for people around the globe.

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Benefits of Consuming Green Tea Every Day

Green Tea Has Been Highly Touted As A Healthy Alternative To Consuming Coffee And Regular Black Tea. It Is Also Suggested To Help Lose Weight, Improve Digestion And Assist In Controlling Blood Sugar. Once Considered To Be A Premium Beverage, Now You Can Find Green Tea Easily In All The Grocery Stores And Some Of The Best Online Tea Stores In India. But, How Did The Earthy Green Beverage Manage To Become A Mainstream Darling? Let's Get Down To The Bottom Of It And Find Out What Drinking Green Tea Does To Our Bodies.

First Things First, What Is Green Tea?

All Teas Originate From The Leaves And Buds Of The Camellia Sinensis Plant. Green Tea Is The Type Of Tea Which Hasn’t Undergone The Withering And Oxidation Process Used To Make Regular Black Teas. The Origins Of Green Tea Lie In China, And Later Its Consumption And Manufacturing Spread All Over The World. There Are Many Different Kinds Of Green Tea, And They Vary Greatly Depending On The Camellia Sinensis Leaves Used, The Environment It Grew In, Horticulture Practices, Production Methods, And Harvesting Period. And Of Course, You Can Buy Organic Green Tea Online At Wagh Bakri’s Online Tea Shop.

So Here’s Looking At The Benefits Of Green Tea.

Packs a Nutritional Punch

Green Tea Is Loaded With Polyphenol Antioxidants, Including A Catechin Called Egcg. These Antioxidants Can Have Various Beneficial Effects On Health. Polyphenols Are Natural Compounds That Have Health Benefits, Such As Reducing Inflammation And Helping To Fight Cancer.

Catechins Are Natural Antioxidants That Help Prevent Cell Damage And Provide Other Benefits. The Catechin Called Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (Egcg) Can Reduce The Formation Of Free Radicals In The Body, Protecting Cells And Molecules From Damage. These Free Radicals Play A Role In Ageing And Many Types Of Diseases.

Egcg Is One Of The Most Powerful Compounds In Green Tea. A Research Published On Pubmed Has Shown Egcg’s Ability To Help Treat Various Diseases. It Appears To Be One Of The Main Compounds That Gives Green Tea Its Medicinal Properties.

Helps in Reducing Weight

One Of Green Tea’s Compounds Is Caffeine. Although A Cup Of Green Tea Holds Much Less Caffeine (24–40 Mg) Than A Cup Of Coffee (100–200 Mg), It Still Contains Enough To Have A Mildly Stimulating Effect. Caffeine Is A Well-Known Stimulant That Has Been Found To Aid Fat Burning And Improve Exercise Performance In Numerous Studies.

To Burn Fat, Your Body Must First Break It Down In The Fat Cell And Move It Into Your Bloodstream. The Main Antioxidant In Tea, Egcg, Can Help Inhibit An Enzyme That Breaks Down The Hormone Norepinephrine. When This Enzyme Is Inhibited, The Amount Of Norepinephrine Increases, Promoting Fat Breakdown.

Ps: Add That Box Of Green Tea In Your Grocery List And Buy Organic Tea Online From Wagh Bakri’s Best Online Tea In India.

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