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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Here's Why Your Tea (And You) Need Those Spices

The monsoons are right at our doorsteps. It has already informed us of its arrival with intermittent showers in and around and has brought down the scorching heat of the summers by a notch. Guess what that means?

Soon, it'll be the season of piping hot cups of Masala Chai or Spiced Tea, with crispy pakoras and dalvadas! But did you know that your favourite cup of Masala Chai can do a lot more than just perk up your mood on a rainy day? Here's why your tea and you need those spices!

Helps reduce anxiety

Tea is the sole plant-based source of a unique amino acid called L-Theanine that has been linked to an increase in alpha and theta brain waves, which are linked to conscious alertness, focus, and attention. Spices aid in the reduction of anxiety as tea and spices are both powerful stress relievers that act from the inside out to calm your mind and relax your nerves. On a damp, rainy day, a cup of tea with natural spices and a sprinkling of delicious cinnamon never fails to brighten the mood.

Wondering how and where to get your masala chai when you can't step out in the rains? You can simply order them online and buy tea online in India on Wagh Bakri’s website.

Helps lower blood pressure

Antioxidants included in tea and spices have been shown to help lower blood pressure. Essential oils and active compounds in the masalas or spices aid in overall blood circulation as well as blood pressure regulation. Black pepper, for example, has been shown to lower cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.

And Wagh Bakri's Spiced Tea comes infused with the goodness of black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and mint. And you can buy spiced tea in India online on Wagh Bakri’s website too.

Helps aid digestion

A hot cup of strong tea with spices, served without milk, is a well-known home remedy for aiding digestion. Cardamom, for example, is used to treat stomach ulcers, while dry ginger is used to treat nausea and, in particular, morning sickness. Improved digestion is also linked to a better metabolism, which leads to a more active and energetic lifestyle.

Yes, yes, we understand that not everyone finds brewing tea, especially masala chai, a therapeutic exercise. But we have a solution for that too! You can buy instant tea combo online in India by simply ordering them online from Wagh Bakri’s online store.

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