Shafa blends is a quaint little store located in an unassuming business strip mall.
We were in Baltimore for my Grandma’s funeral. Going right before her funeral may seem like it was a weird idea and ok it really probably was but who really is in a good state of mind before a funeral?
I wanted to give you this back story because it ties in with the rest. We walked into the store and we were greeted by the nicest lady. Throughout the course of our few minutes there she was incredibly kind, even without knowing our circumstances. When asking what I was in for today I said for their spicy chai.
She wanted to be sure I was ready for the spice level, I assured her I was. Now as I sit here drinking two cups of it, one with milk and one without, I can’t help but think of my grandma who was somewhat of a spicy lady. One of my favorite stories from her is when her family, 11 in all not sure of how many were there then, were all seated around the table and there was an argument.
My grandma lost the fork she had been waving around and it ended up piercing the ear of one of my aunts. Sounds kinda terrifying writing it but everyone laughs with tears rolling down there faces whenever it is told.
My apologies for digressing from the main topic but I thought I would deviate a little from my usual writing. For those who are curious this truly is a perfect spicy chai. Great with milk or on its own. When on its own it elicits an even spicer tone but the first touch on the palette is clear and silky. Don’t be fooled though as this quickly turns around and punches you in the throat. The after taste is spicy. A minute late after finishing and I still have a spicy sensation.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Shafa Blends
Description:
Our signature Masala Chai tea has an incredibly aromatic South Indian blend of spices with black tea, impeccable cardamom notes, spicy kick from ginger and black pepper. When you steep this blend in milk, the flavors blend in beautifully, and the addition of a little honey takes the flavors to another level. The longer you steep the tea blend in hot milk or water, the spicier the brew will become (a heat-lovers’ delight).
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Traditional Masala Chai/Blue Lotus Chai
Let me tell you how you can have an amazing pick up for your day.
(1) Pick yourself up a tin of Traditional Masala Chai from Blue Lotus Chai.
(2) Once the tin arrives, instantly get the following: water, pot, milk and a timer.
(3) Open the tin and enjoy the aromas of the chai mix.
(4) Boil 4 oz fresh water.
(5) Add one rounded scoop of the powdered chai.
(6) Stir. . . .add in milk or creamer and continue to heat the mixture
(7) Once the brew is the desired temp, I highly recommended adding on a dollop of froth milk/cream to throw this experience over the top.
(8) Enjoy. . .and let all of the cares of the day wash away
I will admit, I am not a chai fan but this chai mix has changed my mind completely. After following the above steps, you are left with this delicious chai mix that really makes you sit back and take a moment for yourself. All of those beautiful spices mingle so well together and if you use milk like I did, that added creamy note really makes the brew even more enjoyable.
I will say that you definitely want to drink this tea right after you prepare the brew. I accidentally let the tea sit for a few minutes and it seemed like there was a bit of grit from the powder staring to accumulate at the bottom of the cup.
What is brilliant about this chai is there isn’t a teapot that you need to clean out, there is no tea leaves you need to fuss with, just a pot, some water, and the chai mix itself. Now saying that, I do still love my loose leaf tea and would never part with having it, but this chai mix from Blue Lotus Chai is definitely a great tea to have on hand for those mornings or afternoons when you need a little pick me up and may not have all of the needed tea ware to brew up a proper cuppa or just need a cuppa asap.
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: Blue Lotus Chai
Description
With its deep and truly authentic flavor and amazing ease of preparation, our flagship product has become part of the daily rhythm of many homes. Tasting is believing!
Ingredients: Naturally brewed and flash-dried black tea powder; 100% Certified Organic powdered spices: ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Turmeric Chai from The Whistling Kettle. . . . .
The experience I had recently with Turmeric Chai from The Whistling Kettle is something I would like to share with you today!
‘ This isn’t your average chai! Why? Because it goes above and beyond with the addition of BOTH turmeric and Tulsi (holy basil). A little bit of each of those ingredients goes a long way! You can see and taste the specks of turmeric and the tulsi is just as wonderful! The dynamic duo surely makes this blend of flavors what it is. And it IS wonderful!
This is a blend of black tea, ginger, and cinnamon, Tulsi (known as Holy Basil), and turmeric.
Tulsi has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes – from use in Hindu worship and the healing practices of Ayurveda, to flavoring in Thai cuisine and even as an all-natural insect repellent! Perhaps I should look into some tulsi for my kitchen because the fruit flies are crazy this year!
Turmeric is an integral spice in curry and I adore it! It has been found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds and can increase your body’s antioxidant capacity. Curcumin, the compound that’s responsible for the bright yellow hue, is particularly effective in preventing heart attacks, delaying diabetes, and even fighting cancer.
Black pepper, found in this tea, is often used to boost the amount of curcumin (an active compound in turmeric) that is able to be absorbed into the blood.
Of course we aren’t making any claims here because we aren’t doctors – we are just tea loving beings, folks!
If any or all of this intrigues you THIS is a flavor chai you will WANT to try!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Black
Where to Buy: The Whistling Kettle
Description
What’s better than a piping hot spiced tea? Warm and spicy, this is sure to be a favorite among chai drinkers.
Featuring a blend of black tea, ginger, and cinnamon, this chai incorporates Tulsi (known as Holy Basil) and turmeric for added flavor and health benefits.
Tulsi has been used for thousands of years for a variety of purposes – from use in Hindu worship and the healing practices of Ayurveda, to flavoring in Thai cuisine and even as an all-natural insect repellent!
Turmeric, an integral spice in curry, has been found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds and can increase your body’s antioxidant capacity. Curcumin, the compound that’s responsible for the bright yellow hue, is particularly effective in preventing heart attacks, delaying diabetes, and even fighting cancer.
Black pepper, found in this tea, is often used to boost the amount of curcumin (an active compound in turmeric) that is able to be absorbed into the blood.
Like with all chais – we recommend this with milk and a small amount of sugar to bring out the flavors.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
