A tea is a type of beverage originated in ancient China. In India, they call it “chai”, from the Hindi-Urdu word. After water, it is the second most well-known beverage in the world.
Chinese small-leaf tea was introduced into India by the British in the 19thcentury, to break the monopoly of Chinese tea production. Tea plants are native to East Asia. British East India Company began an extensive production of tea in Assam, India.
Teas are usually served by pouring boiling or hot water over a tea bag or loose tea. All types of tea are made with leaves from a single plant species, Camellia sinensis.
Camellia sinensis or tea plants have been used for medicinal purposes as well. Check out these types of Indian teas.
Types Of Tea In India
Masala Chai
Its alternative name is Spiced tea. A flavored tea beverage made by boiling black tea, milk, sugar and a mixture of spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom.
This is a popular beverage in every Indian family.
Health Benefits of Masala Chai
- It boosts our immunity because it contains ginger, clove and cinnamon. The ingredients in Masala chai creates a defense mechanism that fights infections.
- Helps in digestion. Ginger improves our digestion and may relieve or prevent constipation. The black tea in Masala chai contains antimicrobial properties that improves gut bacteria and immunity by aiding repair the lining of the digestive tract.
- Masala tea has antioxidants because of its basic ingredient, black tea. Black tea is rich in Polyphenols, such as catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins, which can promote overall health.
- It also has anti-inflammatory properties because of its well-known ingredient, clove. This ingredient reduces inflammation, prevents heart diseases, and is generally used as pain relievers.
Noon Chai
Also known as Sheer chai, Kashmiri tea, and gulabi chai. Noon chai has a notable pink color that is why others also call it pink tea.
Basically, it is made from a type of green tea leaves, baking soda, milk, cardamom salt and usually cooked in Samavar.
Health Benefits of Noon Chai
- It has vitamin C, which boosts immunity.
- Drinking pink tea helps in weight loss. Polyphenols in the tea help burn fat.
- Keeps you calm and helps reduce stress and anxiety because of L-theanine, an amino acid component present in Kashmiri tea.
Assam Tea
It is a form of Black tea. Also known as breakfast tea, English breakfast tea or Irish breakfast tea. Assam teas are generally available and well-liked for its strong malty flavour, and known to strengthen your mental alertness.
According to experts, if you want to take full advantage of its health benefits , use loose tea leaves and don’t add anything on it.
Health Benefits of Assam Tea
- Has antioxidant properties that promote heart health and boost immunity.
- Prevents lung cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Has energy boosting qualities.
- It can promote brain health.
Green Tea
Originated in China. To savour its flavour and health benefits, consume Green tea within 6 months or a year of purchase. Straight Green tea has a clean taste. A number of loose green teas are mixed with fruits and scented with flowers to create a distinct aromatic smell or flavoured teas.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
- Rich in antioxidants.
- Green tea consumption lowers cholesterol.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Aids in weight loss.
Butter Tea
It is also known as Po cha in Tibet. This is a popular beverage in the Himalayan regions in Nepal, Bhutan, India and Tibet. It has a salty flavor.
Himalayan nomads are deeply addicted to butter tea. They drink it more than 30 cups in a day.
Butter tea is made from yak butter, water, salt and tea leaves. However, butter from cow’s milk are also used because of its wider availability and lower price.
Health Benefits of Butter Tea
- It boosts energy because it is high in caffeine content.
- Promotes brain health because of its antioxidants.
- Improves digestion.
- May boost immunity because of the catechins and other antioxidants found in Butter tea.
Nilgiri Tea
Also called Blue Mountain tea. Originated in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India. This is described as being a brisk, fragrant and full-bodied tea.
Because of its aromatic and flavourful features, it is one of the most desired tea in the world. This tea type also makes great iced tea.
Health Benefits of Nilgiri tea
- Has a rich source of flavanoids, which helps control blood sugar.
- Fights inflammation and prevents various diseases such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes.
- Nilgiri tea contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents. It strengthens your immune system.
Darjeeling Tea
A tea type that comes from Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Darjeeling tea is usually processed as black tea. But some estates have widen their products to include leaves appropriate for making green tea, white tea, and oolong tea.
Darjeeling tea is thin-bodied and has a distinct aromatic smell.
Health Benefits of Darjeeling Tea
- Darjeeling tea boosts cardiovascular health. It increases blood flow.
- It relieves stress because it regulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone in the body.
- Rich in antioxidants, which combats free radicals and eliminate toxins.
Kashmiri Kahwa
Originated in Kashmir. In Kashmiri, the word Kahwa means “sweetened tea”.
This is made by boiling green tea leaves with cardamom, cinnamon, local saffron, and occasionally Kashmiri roses. Others served it sugar or honey.
Health Benefits of Kahmiri Kahwa
- Rich in antioxidants. Consuming a single cup a day will help you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
- Regular drinking of the tea helps your digestion system.
- Strengthens the immune system.
Conclusion
Every family in India enjoys a cup of piping hot chai or tea. India is one of the top tea consuming countries, as well as one of the largest tea producers in the world today. The Indian tea industry has expanded to own many popular tea brands and has progressed into one of the most highly equipped tea manufacturer in the world. Thanks for reading this post.