Ingredients and Flavour
What Are the Ingredients in Meghalaya Masala Chai?
This blend is a combination of amazing ingredients that are directly and traditionally sourced from our farmers. It consists of classic ingredients such as Black tea, lemongrass, bay leaf, ginger, and black pepper.
Black tea: Tea comes from the plant Camellia sinensis. It is one of the most loved beverages in the entire world. It is believed to have originated in China but around 80% of people from around the world consume it daily. In ancient times, border trade between China, Tibet, and other neighbouring countries fermented tea, dried them, and pressed them into bricks to be used as currency.
The difference between the different teas is the processing method. During the processing of black tea, it is fermented and oxidized. The oxidation level in the tea gives it its unique flavour and colour ranging from amber to dark brown with a savoury to sweet taste.
Black tea is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols and catechins. The compounds that it contains are loaded with a wide range of health benefits. It is stronger, bolder, more oxidized, and thus more beneficial. Black tea also has caffeine content in it which is around 42 mg in a single cup serving.
Lemongrass: Scientifically known as Cymbopogan citratus. It is also known as barbed wire grass, silky heads, cochin grass, Malabar grass. Lemongrass is an aromatic plant that yields aromatic oils. Its name is derived from the lemon-like odour shoots. Due to its ability to reduce fever, it is also known as “fever grass”. It is one of the herbs to travel along the spice route from Asia to Europe. Lemongrass oil is known as Cochin oil since 90% of it is shipped from Cochin port.
There are five species of lemongrass. They are:
- Cymbopogon flexuosus- it is known as East India, Cochin, or Malabar grass. The leaves are linear and lanceolate. Under this species, two other varieties are identified based on the colour of the stem.
- C. flexuosus variety flexuosus- It is red grass. The stem and leaf sheath are reddish-purple colour. It is recognized as the true lemongrass. The essential oil contains more than 75-80% citral.
- C. flexuosus variety albescens- it has white grass and white stems. The essential oil contains less than 65-70% citral.
- Cymbopogon citratus- it is known as West Indian or American lemongrass. It is stemless grass. The essential oil contains around 74-76% citral.
- Cymbopogon pendulus- it is known as Jammu lemongrass and has white stems and is dwarf in nature. It is frost resistant and its essential oil contains around 75-80% citral.
Bay leaf: The Indian bay leaf is scientifically known as Cinnamomum tamala or tej patta in Hindi. Originated in the southern slopes of the Himalayas, they are also found growing in Nepal, Bhutan, Burma, and the North-Eastern hills of India.
It is an endemic spice in most Indian cuisines from savoury to sweet dishes due to its distinctive fragrance and flavour. However, it is also well-known for the medicinal properties it possesses.
The presence of various nutrients and minerals such as Vitamin A and C along with folic acid (a type of vitamin B) makes it a highly beneficial herb. If the leaves are eaten whole, they are pungent and have a sharp bitter taste. Its fragrance is more noticeable than its taste which when dried, it gives out a herbal and slightly floral fragrance which is due to the presence of essential oils like Myrcene and Eugenol in it.
Ginger: Ginger is one of the healthiest spices in the world. Renowned for its taste elevating properties and is a must-have in Asian cooking. It is loaded with essential nutrients and bioactive components that have powerful benefits for the body. People have been using ginger for cooking as well as medicines since ancient times.
The unique fragrance and flavour of this spice come from its natural oils, gingerol. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound that is responsible for many of its medicinal properties. It provides powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is a popular home remedy for nausea, stomach disorders, and various other health issues.
Black pepper: Known as the king of spice as it is widely loved and extensively used by people all over the world. Black pepper’s signature aroma emanates from the berries of the tropical Piper nigrum vine, one among the thousand species of the Piperaceae family.
Black pepper is more than just a kitchen staple but is used medicinally in ancient medicines. It has active component piperine which does all the magic!
It is responsible for all the health benefits that it provides and is also an essential component that enhances curcumin absorption and activates it up to 2,000%. It works by supporting the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.
Flavour
Our Meghalaya Masala Chai is known for its strong and pleasant flavours and this blend can be included in the daily diet because of the many benefits it has. It is a perfect tea blend that is a must-have in every household. This blend will transform your simple tea into a beautiful yet extremely beneficial healthy beverage.
The brownish-green powder is loaded with the goodness of natural ingredients that makes your tea rich and appealing. You will be delighted by the pleasant aroma it produces once you open the container and the aroma sizzles in the air and lingers in the mouth.
This amazing chai has a delicious flavorful taste and the feeling that accompanies it is exceptionally satisfying.
A classic chai that can be enjoyed all the year-round and is a perfect drink to relish during a cold rainy day.