WHERE THERE’S TEA, THERE’S HOPE…

Holding onto a hot cup is a great way to recharge you. 🙂

My Favourite Season - Winters. The scorching sunshine becomes simmering and every morning is genuinely a 'good morning'. What more to ask for- May be a searing cup of tea to warm up a chilly morning. It does wonders for me, How about you? A little warmth goes a long way. Sit back, relax and enjoy reading this post while that steam escapes from the tea kettles in your kitchen and blends with the cold air.

Indians have a soul connection with piping hot chai (tea). Are you the one for whom a cup of tea is an excuse to share great thoughts with great minds. From the little tea stall behind your office to the tea vendors on railway platforms; from your neighbourhood tea stall sessions and that playful eye contact with your hot neighbour, to friends chilling with hot chai over an upcoming match… “Chai pe charcha” (discussions over tea) has always been and still is a steaming part of India’s fabric.

Had a bad day at work? Cool it with a bitching session at the chai corner. At any point of time, if you feel you need a companion when everyone around fails to understand you, there is always a cup of chai for comfort. It never lets you down. In fact, it will perk you up in an instant.

Indians connection with tea begins at home, with the first aroma in the morning. It is your humble companion during those intense political discussions, train journeys, highways breaks and rainy day romantic getaways; also it comes to the rescue to eliminate the hitch to strike a conversation with other person.

Interesting Fact- How Afternoon tea became a trend

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” 🙂

While drinking tea as a fashionable event is credited to Catharine of Braganza, known as the tea drinking queen, the actual idea of having tea in the afternoon was developed into a social event in the late 1830s by Anne, Duchess of Bedford. She enjoyed having light sandwiches and tea in the late afternoon to prevent the sinking feeling she experienced during the long gap between meals. She began inviting others too and it became a trend.

The unifying force

Since the British popularized tea in India, it has become an integral part of the rhythm of life here. It has a constant, unifying presence in a profoundly diverse country like ours. From the lush green forests of Jharkhand to the white desert of Kutch, I have noticed that tea is the one connecting factor that energizes and heals one and all. The chaiwallahs in India brew their tea fresh using ginger root, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and many other spices depending on the region.

The Tea Tour

In Jammu, the preparation of tea is different. A lot of milk and cream is added to the tea along with cardamom and cinnamon. This tea is called ‘desi chai’. Kahwa, made out of saffron and almonds is very popular.

Rich, milky and spicy, south Indian tea is known for its distinctive dark color and intense aroma.

Authentic Darjeeling tea is blackish-green in color.

The popular brew of Assam is known as Ronga Saah (Red tea without milk). It is the main component of English breakfast tea and often had with a slice of lemon.

A typical north Indian tea is served in Kulhad (earthen pot). Since day soaks up all the moisture, the tea often has a very strong flavor. The next time you are in Punjab and craving for tea, simply order, ‘Ek kadak chai, malai maar ke’ (One strong tea,with cream).

The term synonymous with tea in Mumbai is Cutting Chai, which is based on the concept of ‘aadhe se zyada and poore se kam’ (More than half, less than full). Afterall, we Indians love sharing, don’t we?

Thanks for Stopping by!!