Tea is a popular beverage enjoyed all over the world for its soothing and refreshing properties. The Camellia sinensis plant is the source of all types of tea, including green, black, white, and oolong. One of the best ways to enhance the flavor and aroma of tea is by adding different spices to it.
Do you add spices to teas or Do you just make a tea out of your spices? Which one would you prefer?
I experiment adding spices to my TEA. I am not a big fan of masala tea / masala chai as it is very overwhelming, but the taste is growing on me.
Thanks to the chai / tea meets which happens at one of my friend's house very often. She adds green cardamom, ginger, mint leaves and many more spices while making the tea.
I have always loved a strong ginger tea. It gave me a feel of rejuvenation after a long day, feeling of warmth during winter evenings with friends.
We, Indians add lots of stand alone or mix of spices to our teas and every household will have their own secret recipe to make their own flavoured tea. Here are few of the spices which can be added to our tea
- Green cardamom / Elaichi
- Ginger Powder
- Cinnamon powder
- Cinnamon sticks
- Black Peppercorns
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Star anise
- Turmeric Powder
1. Green Cardamom
One of the most common spices used in tea is cinnamon. It imparts a warm, sweet and woody flavor to the tea and also has a number of health benefits. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion and reduce inflammation. Cinnamon is often used in chai tea and can be added to both loose leaf and bagged tea.
2. Ginger Powder / Fresh Ginger root
Another popular spice used in tea is ginger. It has a strong, pungent and slightly sweet flavor that adds a unique taste to the tea. It's also known for its medicinal properties and can help alleviate nausea, reduce muscle pain and soreness and improve brain function. Ginger is often used in tea blends and can be added to both loose leaf and bagged tea.
3. Green Cardamom
Cardamom is another spice that is commonly used in tea. It has a complex, sweet and spicy flavor and is known for its digestive properties. It's also believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Cardamom is used in many traditional tea blends like chai, and can be added to both loose leaf and bagged tea.
Other spices that can be used to enhance the flavor of tea include cloves, nutmeg, black pepper and star anise. These spices add a warm, sweet and aromatic flavor to the tea and can also be used in traditional tea blends.
Spices as TEA: These spices can make awesome stand alone tea just with hot water & sweetener of your choice.
- Bring water to boil. Switch the flame off.
- Add the spices of your choice and the quantity as per your taste.
- Steep it for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain it.
- Add a sweetener of your choice and enjoy.
Spices to TEA: You can add it while making your tea with milk of your choice.
- Bring milk to boil. Add the spices of your choice, tea powder.
- Let it boil it for 2 to 3 minutes. Strain it.
- Add a sweetener of your choice and enjoy.
In conclusion, tea is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Adding spices to tea is a great way to enhance the flavor and aroma of the tea, and also add a variety of health benefits. Whether you prefer traditional tea blends or prefer to create your own unique blends, experimenting with different spices is a great way to enjoy your tea even more.
You can use spices from Angadi of Spices to make a really beneficial tea as we bring in clean & quality spices form curated from farms across India. Our spices are very flavourful, natural and healthy. Each of these spices come in a resealable eco-friendly food pouch that can be carried every where you go.
