Having tea in India is a tradition that is much deeper than just drinking a cup of tea with its essence going way beyond. Translating as “chai” in Hindi, tea is part of carried-out schedules, covering both work and leisure, conversations, or just waiting or relaxing periods. Not only is tea extremely nourishing but it also has many healthy properties if made carefully. From the rousing black teas to the soothing herbals, the creation of the healthiest cup of tea entails knowing more about Indian Tea, its associated benefits, and, accompanying this knowledge, the choice of the finest ingredients and the art of brewing. Well, let Mittal Teas share three steps for preparing the best tea in terms of taste and nutritional value.
Start with Quality Tea Leaves
The best part is that you get to start with the finest tea and infuse it with the finest hot water. In India, popular teas include:
- Assam Tea: Assam tea is quite powerful and bitter has notes of malt and is often used for milk tea. Hopefully, it helps to decrease one’s chances of getting other chronic diseases due to the high number of antioxidants present in it.
- Darjeeling Tea: Developed from a light and flowery type of tea, Darjeeling is famously known as the champagne of tea. This is recommended for black or green tea drinkers seeking a refreshing with low caffeine content.
- Nilgiri Tea: Originating from Nilgiri hills this tea has a hint of fragrance and is not strong. it is mainly used with iced tea since it has a strong, aromatic flavor that is perfectly balanced with a clean-tasting aftertaste.
- Herbal Blends: Indian tea consumption also comprises herbal teas like tulsi-tea or tea with holy basil and masala chai, spiced tea. Herbal teas even have numerous other benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Loose-leaf tea is preferred to tea bags although they are both in the market. Whole leaves preserve oils and desirable flavors that may otherwise evaporate in the manufacture of tea bags. This gives you a more potent, tastier, and healthier cup of tea.
Maintenance of The Appropriate Proportion of Tea
Tea and water proportions determine the taste and healthcare properties of tea. Having more than the necessary amount of tea will make the tea bitter and may cause overstimulation while having a lesser amount may only lead to the dilution of the vitamins and minerals. A general rule is:
- One teaspoon of loose tea leaves for each cup of tea, or approximately 8 ounces, for most standard Indian black and green teas.
- 1.5 to 2 teaspoons for herbal teas as most of the blends are prepared using light leaves and spices.
Brew for the Right Duration
Time taken in brewing varies and determines both the taste of the meal and the nutritional value of the meal. If a tea is brewed for too long, then it becomes bitter and gives an astringent feel and if it is brewed for very little time, then the compounds in the tea are not released. Here’s a general guide:
- Black teas: 3-5 minutes
- Green teas: 2-3 minutes
- Herbal teas: 5-7 minutes
Another reason for brewing for the right time is to allow maximum extraction of catechins and polyphenols which are good for the heart, reducing inflammation and even enhancing the brain.
Preserve Indian Tea Cookery
For those looking to maximize health benefits, here are a few traditional Indian tea recipes known for their wellness-boosting properties:
- Masala Chai: Succulent with ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves blended together with black tea, Masala Chai is invigorating and easily soothes the soul. Ginger has an effect on digestion, cinnamon has an anti-inflammatory effect, and cloves show immunomodulating effects.
- Tulsi Tea: So while the benefits of apparently simple herbs like Tulsi, also known as holy basil, are many, one of the key uses of this is the fact that this is an adaptogen by nature. This tea is made from natural herbs and does not contain caffeine making it the best tea for relaxation and has a health benefit in improving the respiratory system as well as being a reducer of inflammation.
- Lemon-Ginger Tea: This tea is prepared with ginger slices, minced ginger, and a bit of lemon containing vitamin C and antioxidants. It is a perfect tea that may help increase the body’s immunity and improve digestion.
Conclusion
As much as it can be a complex process, the actual production of the healthiest cup of tea is an art as well as a skill. The professionals have therefore found it easier to prepare each cup as a nutritional cup through the choice of quality ingredients, good brewing exercise, and the addition of healthy spices or natural sweeteners where necessary. In addition to the health, it is easy to experience the tradition of the Indian tea that is beloved for centuries. To get yours today, visit Mittal Teas!
