Black Tea News - Dec 2006
Black Tea "Chai" - Tea and India
The story of tea began in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. According to Chinese mythology, in 2737 BC Chinese Emperor Shen Nung first tried the brew of tea when a tealeaf from a wild tea tree dropped into the water. Earlier, tea was renowned for its properties as a refreshing and healthy drink. The modern term Tea is derived from the Chinese words Tchai, that is used to describe the leaf and beverage. Tea is a plant of the Camellia family and is indigenous to China and parts of India. The wild tea plant can develop into a tree 30 to 40 meters high. Now days the tea plant is kept to a height of approximately one meter for easy plucking purposes. Tea drinking originated in China and the Dutch introduced it to Europe.
India is the largest producer as well as consumer of tea in the world. India also leads in global R&D in tea industry. India is the largest manufacturer and exporter of tea machinery. The tea plantations were started in the middle of the 19th century under the British management. Tea (or Chai) is India's favorite drink and many of the varieties are enjoyed throughout the world. Darjeeling Tea of India is unmatched in terms of its quality and aroma. Dust tea is very popular in the southern part of India. In the eastern part CTC broken is used and in states like Maharashtra, packets as well as unbranded teas are used. Consumers of tea in different parts of India have heterogeneous taste.
Tea pickers do very hard work and pluck only young and the most flavorful leaves. The best Assam tea is grown in high attitudes of Himalayan Mountains. Assam in India, with over 800 tea estates is one of the major tea producing state in India.
Chai is incredibly popular in India, even more popular than coffee is in the United States. Masala Chai is an aromatic spiced tea and it's a choice for hundreds of years. Masala Chai consists of fresh ground spices and loose-leaf tea. All of these spices are added in boiled water and milk in order to make a delicious taste. Chai or Tea stalls in India are a favorite meeting place to savor a fresh and hot cup of chai. Small chai or tea stalls are found all over India from train stations to tiny villages around the country. There is no fixed recipe and preparation method in order to make masala chai. Families in India have their own special versions of tea and it's possible because of a huge range of possible variations.
Chai or Tea Brewing Tips
* In order to get desired taste, adjust the amount (ratio) of tea and milk
* Brew milk and water at medium-high temperature as it may burn if the heat is too high.
* In order to get more intense flavor grate a small piece of fresh ginger into chai.
* Non-Stick and Stainless steel pots work well for making chai.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Black Tea
The tea of teas(sm) Frozen, Iced or Hot - Flavored, Scented or blended for a delicious beverage - any time, any where, any occasion
© 1998-2007 Copyright Black Tea.com All Rights Reserved - BlackTea
Black Tea
The Tea of Teas