The word chai for about a billion or so people in India is one of their most common words for tea. But what is sticky chai? Sticky chai is a shiny, wet like tea with texture. Its sticky as it is traditionally made with honey or agave.
My aim was to produce a sticky chai that was as natural as it could possibly be. I’m a coffee and caffeine snob and I aint ashamed to say that out aloud. I don’t do instant coffee and I don’t do instant powdered chai…. like not ever! Having said that, there are some powdered chai that I have tried, and they tasted…ok. I’m not talking about store bought pre-mixed ones I’m talking more about the ones you may get at a coffee shop. They just didn’t cut it for me as I always found them to be a tad on the bland side. There just isn’t enough spice. I mean, Chai tea is all about spice, right?
So, I set myself a challenge to make the ultimate Sticky Chai and I reckon I’ve done it. This took many, many attempts. I also really played around with flavours and textures to create our blend. I wanted a chai that had OOMPH behind it, and I really believe ours does.
So, what’s in out Sticky Chai?
We use organic Fairtrade loose leaf black tea, organic rice malt syrup rather than honey so that we could make this vegan friendly. Organic rice malt syrup is fructose free and has a lower GI level when compared to honey and or maple syrup. Whole cardamom pods, cinnamon quills, whole star anise, whole cloves, fresh ginger, and whole black peppercorns. We dry roast our whole spices and then mill then to a nice consistency. We prefer to use the whole cardamom pod for a better texture. The cardamom is milled but not milled to a fine dust.
So, what does Sticky Chai taste like?
Ohhh where do I begin with this? Our Sticky Chai has a caramel like sweetness to it. It gives a spicy, peppery flavour with a slightly sweet aftertaste. I believe we have used the most aromatic herbs as it smells divine.
How is Sticky Chai tea healthy?
Well, for many reasons. Black tea has many health benefits which I’m sure you all know. The antioxidants in tea are called polyphenols and they block DNA damage associated with toxic chemicals. Polyphenols are also found to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Tannins in black tea are known to help the gastric lining and improve digestion. The spices we use support digestion and circulation.
.How do you make a cup of Sticky Chai?
All you need to do is add 1 heaped tablespoon (or more or less all depending on how you like your tea) in a tea infuser. Add boiled water and allow to steep for 2 minutes. Add your choice of milk (or not) or you can warm up some milk. Then sit back and let the aromas take over your senses and then sip away and enjoy. If you like your tea sweeter you can always add sugar or coconut sugar or even a dollop of honey.
If you store this blend correctly by placing in a cool dark pantry/cupboard this will last and keep for a good 12-24 months. NEVER store in the refrigerator as moisture will make this mouldy.
As always, we add no fillers, no preservatives, no nasties no additives no artificial sweeteners.
Safe for vegans, vegetarian & ketogenic friendly.
We truly hope you enjoy our Sticky Chai Blend. We would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to message us and let us know what you think.
कृपया भोजन का आनंद लीजिये! /kripyā bhojan kā ānnaṅd lijīyai/ please enjoy your meal/Bon Appetit
