Best Black Tea for Chai
When it comes to the perfect cup of chai, the choice of black tea plays a crucial role in achieving that rich and flavorful taste we all crave.
As a tea enthusiast with years of experience, I can confidently say that not all black teas are created equal when making chai.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best black teas for chai that will take your brew to another level.
From bold and robust Assam teas to fragrant Darjeeling and spicy Ceylons, each variety brings unique flavours and aromas that complement the warm spices in chai.
Table of Contents
When brewing Chai, the base should always be high-quality black tea. Assam tea is the most excellent variety of black tea for making Chai, and CTC tea is a good choice for creating Chai. According to the search results, the following are some of the best black teas for Chai:
1. Assam CTC:
This is the traditional tea used in chai recipes, with a distinct flavour.
VAHDAM’s Assam Black Tea Leaves offer the powerful flavor of Assam’s best black tea. This FTGFOP1 Grade pure unblended single-origin black loose-leaf tea is unmatched. Enjoy a cup with robust, malty, and rich aromas to rejuvenate your senses.
2. Darjeeling:
Another black tea widely used in Chai blends in Darjeeling.
FGO Organic Darjeeling Tea is a premium tea experience. This organic and eco-friendly tea will make you want more. Its premium ingredients make every sip inherently pleasant.
3. Ceylon
This spicy chai tea has black tea, cinnamon, ginger root, cloves, cardamom oil, and allspice.
For caffeine without sugar, Ahmad Tea Black Tea, Ceylon Loose Leaf, 454g is ideal. Smooth and flavorful, this premium tea is perfect for any time of day. Each bag contains approximately 454g of tea, so you may prepare many cups or keep your favorite flavor around.
4. Yunnan Black Tea
Yunnan Golden Special has a bright copper cup and a buttery, robust malt flavour with cinnamon undertones.
Tealyra Yunnan Golden Special is ideal for morning tea! Organically cultivated in China, this premium black loose-leaf tea has a unique scent and flavor. Cocoa and honey create a delightful cup that will energize you in the morning. Its 110g (4 oz) container lets you enjoy an energetic cup every morning without repurchasing.
5. Stash Chai Spice Black Tea:
This tea is ideal for cinnamon fans.
Chai Tea Recipe Easy
Are you looking for a delicious and easy chai tea recipe? We share one of our simple and tasty blends. We find that the key to great chai tea is using the best black tea for chai, such as Darjeeling or Assam.
See the full recipe below;
Chai Tea Recipe Easy
Ingredients
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- Fresh ginger for chai tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 black tea bags
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, to taste
Instructions
- Combine the ginger, cinnamon stick, tea bags, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg in a small saucepan.
- Small chai tea saucepanOpens in a new window
- Combine the milk with the honey or maple syrup.
- Heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to boil.
- Remove from the heat and set aside for 10 minutes to steep.
- Pour the chai tea into glasses and serve.
Tips:
- Steep the spices for a longer period for a stronger chai tea.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon ground ginger will suffice.
- Other spices, such as star anise, black peppercorns, or cardamom pods, can be added to your chai tea.
- Chai tea can be served hot or chilled.
Here are some extra chai tea-making tips:
- For the finest flavour, use whole milk.
- Heat the plant-based milk in a separate saucepan before adding it to the spices. This will aid in keeping the milk from curdling.
- If you don’t have a strainer, you can strain the chai tea using cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
- Chai tea can be kept in the fridge for up to three days.
I hope you like my simple chai tea recipe!
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Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving Calories 108Total Fat 4gCarbohydrates 14gProtein 4g
Pakistani/Indian black tea bags: These are frequently prepared with Assam or Darjeeling tea and are an excellent choice for Chai.
It’s worth mentioning that some chai mixes infuse with green tea or rooibos tea, which has a lower caffeine concentration. Finally, the most extraordinary chai blend is subjective and determined by personal taste preferences.
Is all Chai Made with Black Tea?
Chai, the popular spiced tea beverage from India, is a staple for many tea lovers worldwide. The traditional recipe uses black tea leaves, but not all chai is made with black tea.
Some people prefer to use green or white tea as their base instead.
However, it is essential to note that using black tea as a base provides a more robust and bolder flavour when combined with spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves.
This intense flavour profile makes black tea ideal for creating authentic chai.
When selecting the best black tea for chai, it is recommended to go with loose-leaf teas or high-quality blends specifically designed for Indian masala chai.
Is it OK to drink chai everyday?
The answer is yes! Chai can be consumed daily in moderation. Studies have shown that drinking black tea regularly can have numerous health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, choosing the right type of black tea for your chai is essential to maximize these benefits.
When selecting the best black tea for chai, opt for high-quality loose-leaf teas that are full-bodied and rich in flavour.
Some popular choices include Assam and Darjeeling teas from India or Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka.
Is all chai made with black tea?
The answer is no.
While black tea is the most commonly used base for chai, other teas like green or oolong are also used to create unique blends.
However, it’s worth noting that black tea remains the best choice for making a classic cup of chai due to its robust flavour profile that can stand up against bold spices and creamy milk.
When choosing the best black tea for your chai recipe, consider factors like aroma, taste profiles, and quality.
Closing Thoughts on Best Black Tea for Chai
Many different types of black tea can be used to make a delicious and flavorful chai.
Whether you prefer a classic Assam tea, a spicier Masala Chai blend, or something in between, there is sure to be a black tea that will suit your taste buds perfectly.
By experimenting with different teas and spices, you can create your unique version of this beloved beverage and enjoy it whenever you want.
So why not try out some of the best black teas for chai today and discover a new favourite way to relax and unwind?
References:
- Rd, Alina Petre Ms. “How Chai Tea Can Improve Your Health.” Healthline, 20 July 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/chai-tea.
- Bar, Sencha Tea. “7 Amazing Health Benefits of Chai Tea.” Sencha Tea Bar, 5 Nov. 2020, senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/chai-tea-benefits.
- Ballis, Stacey. “Drinking Tea Could Reduce Your Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke.” Allrecipes, 27 Jan. 2021, www.allrecipes.com/article/drinking-tea-heart-health.
- Gray, Dan. “Drinking Tea May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke.” Healthline, 9 Jan. 2020, www.healthline.com/health-news/drinking-tea-can-cut-risk-of-heart-disease-and-stroke-emb-midnight.
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