Masala Chai (Spiced Tea) - 4 oz

• Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth, Inc.

Chai wallah at work

• Certified EarthKosher 
• Fair Trade Certified™

Chai means tea in India ... and masala chai is the delicious spiced black tea served by chai wallahs (street vendors) throughout the entire subcontinent.

Our choice Organic Masala Chai pairs select shade-grown organic black tea paired with organic Indian tea spices: cardamom, ginger, pepper, and clove.

Like black tea, each of the spices in this blend is rich in antioxidants and potentially health-enhancing properties.

Masala chai can be enjoyed straight or simmered in the traditional style with milk and sugar.  

Essential nutrients
Tea is a source of carotene, most B vitamins, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.

Health benefits
Tea has been considered a healthful beverage throughout history, and modern research backs its reputation. Results of cell, animal, epidemiological, and clinical studies indicate that tea may offer a variety of cardiovascular, stress, immunity, digestive and dental benefits.

Many of tea's health effects are believed to stem from the high levels of powerfully antioxidant catechin-class polyphenol compounds in tea. (White tea contains the highest levels of antioxidants, followed by green tea and black tea.)

These compounds belong to the same family of healthful antioxidants found in red wine and dark chocolate (i.e., flavon-3-ols), which, in test tube experiments, exhibit 20 to 30 times the antioxidant capacities of vitamins C and E.

The longer fermentation that black teas undergo converts 70 to 90 percent of their catechins to related compounds called theaflavins, which are generally weaker antioxidants, but may produce even stronger beneficial effects in certain health contexts.

Caffeine
In moderation caffeine can be a benefit—stimulating the metabolism and increasing brain function and alertness. However, overconsumption of coffee and caffeinated colas can lead people to caffeine overload.

The typical six-ounce cup of coffee contains 125-185 mg of caffeine, while there are about 45-60 mg in black tea, 15-20 mg in a cup of green tea, and 35-45 milligrams in a cup of white tea. (Note: caffeine levels can be significantly greater or lower than outlined here, depending upon the type of tea and how it is prepared.)

Steeping Guidelines Masala Chai 1. Start with your favorite spring or filtered water. Use boiling water (212°F). 2. Use 1 teaspoon for a 6 oz serving. Steep for 5 minutes. Remove the leaves and spices when ready, relying on taste, not color. Re-steep to make another cup! Use a large enough strainer basket to allow the leaves to open and release their flavor. Play with the amount of tea, the water temperature and steeping time. Get to know the tea.