How to Celebrate National Chai Day

Kirti Gulliya 21 September, 2022

On September 21st, India celebrates National Chai Day to celebrate and appreciate the very healthy beverage, tea. Tea or chai is consumed in several regions of the world. It is an essential part of the daily consumption of millions of people in India. China is the largest consumer of tea or chai in the world, followed by Turkey, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It is a staple beverage in several South Asian countries.

National Chai Day is a perfect occasion to honor one of the world's most beloved beverages. The world cannot deny its love for tea, specifically Chai. Tea with spices, commonly known as Chai, is not merely a beverage of India but reflects warmth, love, and, most importantly, the aroma of India. Here's how you can optimize this special day and go full-on into the world of Chai.

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What Is Chai?

Chai is a tea prepared by boiling with spices, and it originates from India. The term "chai" in Hindi means "tea," but in many other nations, Chai is a particular kind of tea preparation that includes black tea, spices, milk, and sweetening agents.

Chai is steeped from a black tea base and completed by adding spices, herbs, milk, and sweeteners. The specific spices can vary, but common ones include:

Cardamom: Gives a little heat, sweetness, and a hint of spiciness.
Cinnamon: Communicates a sweet, woody flavor.
Ginger: It brings a spicy and warm touch to the dish.
Cloves: It provides depth and a hint of bitterness and subtle sweetness to the dish.
Black Pepper: Adds slight warmth, which also increases the density of the dish.

Traditional Preparation

The traditional preparation of Chai involves the following steps:

Brewing the Tea: Spices are added to black tea leaves boiled in water. Different kinds of black tea can be used, but for a more robust taste of Masala, it is better to use Assam tea.
Adding Spices: Whole spices are some common spices used in Chai. They are put into the boiling tea so that the flavors from the additions can be mixed into the tea. Pre-ground spices are sometimes called for in a recipe, but whole spices will give a fresher, more intense flavor.
Simmering with Milk: Milk is poured after brewing the tea, and the spices are gone for a few minutes. The ingredients are then left to simmer to enable the culinary ingredients to marry.
Sweetening: It is usually taken with sugar, but other forms of sweetening, such as honey or 'gur' may be used.
Straining: The tea is then filtered, and the leaves and spices are separated from the tea to be drunk.

Variations of Chai

Masala Chai: This is the most common type of Chai, prepared by adding spices (masala) such as cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and raisins.
Earl Grey Chai: A twist using Earl Grey tea with bergamot orange.
Iced Chai: Chai can be consumed when brewed cold or iced and is usually taken with milk or cream.

Cultural Significance

For the Indian tea drinker, Chai is not only a delicious but also a social beverage. It is consumed at any time, either at breakfast, as a mid-morning breakfast, or during the mid-afternoon as a tea break. Chai serving is done in addition to symbolizing social conduct accorded to any guest as a show of honor and respect.

Why is Chai Served as a Tradition of Hospitality in India?

Of all the countries, Chai has imbibed itself closely in the lives and customs of the Indian population. Preparing Chai or tea is the traditional way of showing the guest or visitor that the Indian culture values and cherishes the guest: The guest is God. Drinking Chai is a social process; therefore, the preparation and sharing of Chai has a social connotation. Tea, as the mixture of tea leaves with additions of milk, sugar, and spices, means more than taste; it is based on the wish to give people something they know and appreciate.

Incidence dictates that whenever guests are present, hosts make them some Chai, usually with some accompanying titbits. This tradition is meant to create a positive impression that the guests are wanted in the house. Making Chai means boiling tea with spices such as cardamom, ginger, and cloves—a time-old custom that increases its importance to hospitality.

Host a Chai Tasting Party

Get together with your friends and relatives and have a chai party or a tasting of different Chai. Thus, you may prepare various types of Chai, such as masala chai, spiced, honey chai, or matcha chai. Offer all without asking whether, providing people with a range of teas, milk, and sweeteners to allow the making of an ideal cup of tea.

Try a New Chai Recipe

People should create new chai recipes on National Chai Day. For a richer taste, brew chai from scratch using whole spices. One might incorporate extra components such as saffron, milk, or dairy merchandise.

Visit a Local Tea Shop

Go to a tea shop or café and order Chai to encourage local traders. Savor your cup of tea and possibly join a session to learn more about various types of Chai and how they are brewed.

Chai-Themed Crafts

Think of several things that can be done about Chai but that can be classified as creative. Paint the mugs with a chai overlay, make your artwork, or buy the mugs. These crafts help offer a good conversation topic and make good National Chai Day memorabilia.

Share on Social Media

To mark National Chai Day, you should share your chai experiences on social media. Share pictures of the chai concoctions you have made, the tasting, or any places you like that serve Chai. Hashtag with relevant tags to be part of the conversation and thus meet more like-minded people interested in Chai.

Health Benefits of Chai

Chai has numerous proven health benefits, some of which include the following:

Antioxidants: Black tea contains polyphenols, antioxidants that help eliminate free radicals and thus decrease the probability of developing chronic diseases.
Digestive Aid: Some spices used in the recipe include ginger and cinnamon, which are believed to have a positive digestive system effect on the body. They help manage stomach problems, swelling caused by excessive fluid retention and digestive disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory: Most spices used in preparing Chai, like turmeric and black peppers, have anti-inflammatory substances that reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial to our health.

In What Ways Does Black Tea Improve Digestion?

Black tea, a key component of Chai, has several digestive benefits:

Stimulates Digestion: Black tea stimulates the digestive system to facilitate the proper digestion of foods.
Soothes the Stomach: Black tea contains compounds that can help minimize nausea and gaseous distension; thus, it is soothing to the digestive system.
Balances Gut Health: Black tea's tannins have antibacterial effects that promote the correct balance of bacteria in the digestive tract.

How does the caffeine in Chai influence energy and alertness?

Chai contains caffeine, which impacts energy levels and alertness in several ways:

Increased Focus: Chai contains caffeine, which enhances the central Nervous System, improving alertness and coordination. It will also benefit the brain's memory and concentration span.
Boosted Energy: The primary ingredient in Chai that can influence health is caffeine, which has a mild stimulating effect. It can fight fatigue and enhance general well-being.
Balanced Stimulation: I was rested without being overstimulated, which is something coffee had previously been unable to do. Ingredients like milk and spices help reduce the impact of caffeine, which in turn helps avoid any adverse effects like insomnia.