Every year, Indians consume about 837,000 tonnes of chai. This ritual of drinking chai in India transcends all boundaries, and you'll notice the roadside of this diverse country filled with chai wallets selling this drink mixed with various spices, milk, and sugar. So, what is with India's fascination with chai? Here's everything you need to know about chai culture in India.
Chai Tea: What Is It?
In India, chai is a tasty and famous treat. This spicy tea is brewed slowly so that it seeps out and spills into the hot water. After that, it's sugared and milked and served hot in a small glass. In India, many people drink chai up to 3 times a day. Chai isn't just limited to Indians but is popular with foreigners too. It's common to see tea stall vendors selling warm glasses of chai from the first break of sunrise to late night in India. Despite its immense popularity, it's also very affordable. A glass of warm chai can cost as little as 10 Indian rupees, making it the most popular drink in India and the most accessible.
The Origins
The word chai, which means tea, is partly derived from the Chinese word 'cha.' It first came into existence about 5000 years back as an ayurvedic beverage to energize and even heal those who consumed it. It was combined with various ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and many more to encourage circulation and aid indigestion. However, in 1835, Black tea started to gain popularity in India due to the British plantations. During the 1960s, black tea became cheaper, and it was combined with sugar, milk, and spices to make what is known today as 'masala chai.' Assam and Darjeeling are the most popular black tea bases, but in Southern India, green tea is also commonly used as a chai base.
Is Chai Good for You?
Chai tea has numerous benefits for your health. Some studies show that this fragrant and spicy drink can help with weight loss, aid digestion, lower blood sugar levels, and boost your heart health. However, keep in mind that these benefits from chai that are backed by science are typically linked to the ingredients used and not the chai itself. However, don’t shy away from drinking warm glasses of chai every time you feel like it. You have nothing to lose. One of the most popular ingredients in India that are used to make chai is ginger. This spice has numerous benefits and is popularly used in India to combat a sore throat or keep the body warm during winter. For hundreds of years, this spicy root has been used in India along with milk-based beverages. During the 19th and 20th centuries, when the British popularized tea, combining ginger and tea was natural.
Conclusion
In a country as big and diverse as India, chai is something that everyone loves. If you haven't tried already, make sure you drink a warm glass of chai at least once in your life. It's a drink you won’t be able to resist.