Chai demystified
What’s chai and why is it good for me?
Bursting with rich and spicy flavours, this traditional spiced tea blend is adelicious way to warm up your soul and invigorate your senses.
What does “chai”mean?
The word “chai” actually means “tea.” What we think of as chai came about when people in India started adding black tea to masala – a hot spice-filled beverage traditionally sipped for its cleansing properties – and masala chai (aka “spiced tea”) was born. Travel to India or Pakistan today and you’ll find this flavourful brew being sipped everywhere – at street stands, in shops, on trains and even in rickshaws.How is chai made?
Traditionally made with strong, black tea that can stand up to spices, milk and sugar, chai blends are rich, spicy and versatile. Like closely guarded family recipes, every chai blend is unique. Many families have their own signature recipes, with ingredients varying from region to region, household to household. Some will have an extra hint of fennel or coriander, while others may have subtle notes of star anise or nutmeg.Discover 5 popular chai spices
Ginger
Root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to ward off cold weather and settle upset tummies.
Black Pepper
Pepper’s sharp and spicy flavour is what makes rich, creamy chais extra warming. It provides a lively zip and subtle pop of heat that never fail to get our taste buds tingling.
Cardamom
These exotic little pods are loved for their soothing flavours and aromas. They’ve been hailed as a natural breath freshener and digestive aid – perfect after a heavy meal.
Cinnamon
This super spice is the epitome of comfort thanks to its delicate sweetness and warmth. It’s also said to have natural skin-brightening and focus-enhancing powers.
Cloves
Cloves are like powerful little flavour bombs, so when it comes to brewing the perfect cup of chai, a little goes a long way. Plus they’re known for their amazing soothing properties.
Organic The Spice Is Right
Tea Flavour: Spicy. Heat things up with our spiciest chai featuring green tea, orange peel, cloves & chili peppers.Organic Saigon Chai
Tea Flavour: Spicy. This spiced black tea with Saigon cinnamon, ginger & peppercorns makes the perfect pick-me-up.Organic David's Chai
Tea Flavour: Traditional. Switch out your coffee for this classic blend of bold black tea with ginger, cardamom & anise.Coco Mango Chai
Tea Flavour: Fruity. This fruity blend of Indian turmeric, sweet mango & creamy coconut is delicious hot or iced.Organic Cinnamon Rooibos Chai
Tea Flavour: Sweet. This smooth & warming caffeine-free chai laced with sweet cinnamon is the ultimate nightcap.S’mores Chai
Tea Flavour: Sweet. A decadent pu’erh bursting with toasted marshmallow, graham cracker & chocolate.Organic Cinnamon Rooibos Chai
"The best bedtime chai! Very yummy. I steeped for an extra long time and topped with frothed warm milk – perfect chai flavour and sleep promoter."S’mores Chai
"LOVE! This tea is delicious with milk or cream – makes a nice light snack."Organic Saigon Chai
"Must try this chai! Bold, spicy and very warming. Perfect with brown sugar and steamed milk."3 ways to drink chai
Hot chai
Step 1:
Add 1-2 Perfect Spoons of chai tea to aninfuser or filter and place in mug.Step 2:
Add 475 ml (16 oz) of hot waterand let steep for 3-5 minutes.Step 3:
Remove infuser and sweeten to taste.Iced chai
Step 1:
Steep 1-2 Perfect Spoons of chai tea and 295 ml (10 oz) of hot water in a Steeper for 3-5 minutes.Step 2:
Fill a 16 oz glass with ice and place Steeper on top to release tea.Step 3:
Sweeten to taste with agave.Chai latte
Step 1:
Add 4 Perfect Spoons of chai tea and 240ml (4 oz) of hot water to a Steeper and steep for 3-5 minutes.Step 2:
Whisk milk in a milk frother or small saucepan over medium-low heat.Step 3:
Place Steeper on top of a mug to release tea, add heated milk and top with extra froth.How to make homemade chai
It all starts with this basic DIY masala chai mix.
Ingredients:
- 2 Perfect Spoons of Kenyan Tinderet or Organic David’s Breakfast Blend
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2-3 cloves
- ½ cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 3 cardamom pods
- ¼ tsp fennel seeds
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- 2 tsp agave
Step 1
In a small pot, bring water to a boil, then add spices. Simmer for 5 min.
Step 2
Add tea, milk and agave and continue to simmer for another 3-5 min.
Step 3
Strain into a mug and enjoy
How to cook with chai
Add warming flavours to your cakes, cocktails & more.
Not only do our chai blends make a great base for your afternoon latte, they also have the ability to add an extra pop flavour and depth to your everyday recipes – from turning up the heat in your favourite soup to livening up classic cocktails and decadent desserts.
Maple Manhattan with a Twist
Oakey bourbon, rich maple sweetness & a spicy chai twist for extra oompth – this is happy hour 2.0.
David’s Chai Butternut Squash Soup
For those chilly days, curl up with a nourishing soup made with lively spices & sweet caramelized squash.
S’mores Chai Blondies
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent s’mores-inspired dessert the whole family can enjoy.