National Chai Day

The word "chai" means "tea" in many parts of the world, but the chai celebrated on National Chai Day (September 21) is a unique blend of tea, spices, and herbs, often referred to as "masala chai." This amazing drink, created over 5,000 years ago, is a sweet Indian brewed black tea beverage with a slight hint of spiciness - traditionally consisting of aromatic spices like cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper. In the 19th Century, milk and sweetener were added to the drink by the British during their colonial rule in India. Today, chai is well known for the many benefits it provides the body - a direct effect of its constituents: black pepper and ginger aid digestion, cloves help relieve abdominal pain, cardamom can elevate one's mood, and cinnamon promotes the health of the lungs and heart.

Chai has evolved far beyond its traditional roots, becoming a global phenomenon with countless variations. One popular way to enjoy chai is by drinking a chai latte, either hot or iced. A Western twist on the masala chai, the chai latte is made by blending steamed milk with a spiced tea concentrate. It is creamy, sweet, and often topped with a dusting of cinnamon. Starbucks is offering a special fall beverage, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai, which they describe as "Black tea infused with cinnamon, other warming spices, and milk, topped with sweet pumpkin cream cold foam and pumpkin spice topping." For an adult twist, chai can be incorporated into cocktails. Whether it's a Spiced Chai Old Fashioned or a Chai Tai (a take on a Mai Tai), these drinks bring a cozy, flavorful kick to your fall evening.

Chai isn't just for sipping; its warm, aromatic spices are perfect for baking. Chai-spiced cookies, cakes, and even bread bring the essence of chai into your kitchen in a deliciously creative way. One of my favorite chai baked treats is a Chai Spiced Apple Bundt Cake. I made it for the first time last Thanksgiving and it was an immediate hit; two friends even asked that I make it for their birthday!

Chai is more than just a drink; it is a symbol of warmth, tradition, and community. Whether enjoyed in the bustling streets of Mumbai or in the comfort of your own home, chai has a way of bringing people together. So, on September 21, raise your cup to chai - may its warmth and flavor continue to brighten our days for generations to come!