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National Chai Day 2024: Chai is the unspoken unifier of India’s culinary offerings. Across the country, it’s a daily ritual from dawn till dusk where people slow down and enjoy a sip of its comforting flavours. The 21st of September is marked as National Chai Day, a time when people can appreciate the beverage that is so ingrained in our lives, in India and beyond.
History Of ChaiTea has a long and winding history throughout the world going back as far as 3000 BC where it was introduced as a beverage in Asia. The word "chai" originates from the Hindi term for tea, which itself is derived from the Chinese word "cha." In the Indian context, chai usually includes a blend of spices brewed along with the tea leaves and according to legend, it was created 5000 years ago in Assam. An Indian king created this mixture of warming spices as a medicinal drink for use in Ayurveda to help him stay away and alert in court. Ingredients like cloves and ginger, commonly found in chai, were believed to aid digestion and alleviate pain. As chai gained popularity, its medicinal recipe spread across India, with various regions adding their own unique touches.
Also Read: 8 Fascinating Tea Drinking Cultures Around The World
Today chai comes in many variations and formats with every person having their own preferences, but at its heart is always the soothing blend of tea leaves and spices that make the beverage so unique. On National Chai Day, slow down and share a cup of chai with your friends or family and toast to the long legacy of this humble beverage and how it can enrich your life.
Here are 8 ways chai is beneficial to the body and can be the perfect way to start your day.
8 Reasons Why Morning Chai Can Be Healthy
Boosts Digestion
Most chai recipes contain ginger and its digestive properties, helping to soothe the stomach and promote smooth digestion, making it an ideal drink to start the day.
Rich in Antioxidants
Chai, especially when made with black tea leaves, is packed with antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals, reducing the risk of cell damage and promoting overall health.
Balances Blood Sugar
Cinnamon, a key ingredient in masala chai, is known for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, helping to maintain balanced energy throughout the day.
Boosts Immunity
With antiviral and antibacterial properties, spices like cloves and ginger in chai work together to boost the immune system, helping to ward off infections and keep the body resilient.
Provides a Gentle Caffeine Boost
Chai contains black tea, which provides a moderate dose of caffeine. This helps to gently increase alertness and energy without the jittery effects often associated with coffee.
Fights Inflammation
Many chai spices, such as cloves and cardamom, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body, promoting long-term health.
Improves Circulation
The warming spices in chai, such as black pepper and cardamom, stimulate circulation, helping to improve blood flow and keep you feeling energised and focused.
Versatile and Customisable
Chai can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or with a savoury twist, you can modify the ingredients to create a perfect, flavourful start to your day.
Recipe For Masala Chai
Try out this easy recipe to make your own masala chai at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tsp Loose leaf black tea or 2 tea bags
- 2 Green cardamom pods
- 1 Clove
- 1 inch Ginger, sliced
- ¼ tsp Freshly cracked black peppercorns
- ½ Cinnamon stick
- 1 cup Whole milk
- 2 tsp Sugar (adjust to taste)
Method
- Lightly crush the cardamom, clove, ginger, black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick in a mortar to release their flavours.
- In a small saucepan, add the crushed spices to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, add the tea leaves or bags, and simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavours to develop.
- Pour in the milk and gently stir. Bring the chai to a boil on high heat. When it starts bubbling to the top, remove it from the heat. Let the bubbles settle, then place it back on the heat to bring to another boil. Repeat once more.
- Continue simmering the chai for 5-7 minutes, or until the consistency becomes creamy and smooth. Strain the chai into glasses or a teapot. Add sugar to taste and serve hot.