Tea Blog

With a myriad of exotic spices, chai speaks to our indulgent nature. First, chai aromatically tempts. Then, one escapes into a cup of sweet complexity. Finally, this tea gives us a healthy punch of spices that are often overlooked. By the end of this memorable experience, one is usually a fan for life.

While many of us love this popular drink and order it often while out and about, few of us know how easy it is to make on our own. This winter, Zhi would like to make it easy for you to enjoy your favorite chai from the warmth and comfort of your home. It’s also a simple drink to share when traveling to visit others this holiday season.

Not only is chai delicious, but commonly used spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and fennel are said to boost the immune system, clear the sinuses and support the digestive system. Heart-healthy black teas are also good for bones and teeth.

Zhi Tea offers several varieties. The most familiar is Masala. Cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger gracefully combine in our Assam tea from India.  This popular chai is great on its own, yet is hearty enough to uphold milk and sugar. To enjoy this tea, consider this easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water
• 1 cups almond milk
• 4 teaspoons of chai
• agave or sugar to taste

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Tools: large pot, strainer; Serves 4

Directions:

• In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
• When boiling, add 4 heaping teaspoons of chai.
• Change heat to ‘medium’ and steep for 3 minutes.
• Add 1 cup of almond milk to tea.
• Bring tea up to a warm drinking temperature and sweeten to taste.
• When ready, carefully strain into thermos or pour direct into serving cups. (One might also strain into another large pot and serve using ladle).
• Sprinkle w/cinnamon, nutmug, or cacao powder.

Craving chocolate? Try our Cacao Chai! Love coconut? Try our Coconut Chai! Looking for a chai with a little less caffeine? Our Kasmiri Chai with a rare green tea base. Want a completely caffeine free treat? Try our Kenya Chai made with rooibos.

Ready, set, steep!  It’s time think about hot tea. Let Zhi and the fall harvests guide your tea experience this season. Complement your favorite recipes with the very best tea in the world. Zhi’s teas satisfy even the most distinguished palates and will have them coming back for more!

Cinnamon: Always popular, this spice not only tastes good, but is good for you! Zhi’s Kenya Chai is bold enough to be the main flavor when paired with your pancakes, coffee cake and creme brule. It’s also perfect alongside vanilla and coconut-based treats.

Cloves: Spicy, aromatic and sensual. Simply brewing a batch of our  Turkish Spice Mint changes the mood in one’s home or cafe. Delight is in the air! A bit spicy, a tad sweet. Pairs great with chocolate, citrus, lamb and roasts.

Apple: Redefine your pies, breads and salads. Zhi’s Blood Orange (with apple bits!)  is a colorful and bold way to accent your apple notes even more. Hint: Berry Hibiscus easily stains your apples! Be playful with pink slices of the year’s best bushels.

Pumpkin: The warm, amber qualities of Zhi’s Vanilla Honeybush parallels pumpkin’s sweet, sunny notes. Choose a malty  Assam or smokey Pu erh to compliment your traditional squash and brown sugar recipies.

Nuts:  Complement familiar recipes with toasted, nutty teas like our Red Rooibos. Plus, our Raspberry Pecan Rooibos is a friend to every holiday pie!