Description
Botanical: Camellia sinensis
Origin: Sri Lanka
Health Benifits: The list of health giving attributes is long. Each spice has specific properties that are shown to reduce inflammation, aid digestion, fight colds and beat fatigue.
In Hindi, Masala Chai literally translated means ‘mixed-spice tea’. Indian tea culture has always been primarily medicinal rather than recreational so the addition of herbs and spices to tea was a given. The beverage may have been brewed as far back as 9000 years ago but not at that time with tea. There are many different recipes but the spices we use are referred to as the ‘warming spices’. While the traditional Chai is made with buffalo milk, fortunately dairy milk or nut milk is a more than an adequate substitute. Masala Chai is not just for the health conscious, it is a rich spicy beverage to be enjoyed hot or cold.
The Atlas Moth
Attacus atlas
The world’s largest moth has a huge 30-centimeter wingspan. Atlas was the Greek God who held the sky on his shoulders. The intricate ‘map-like’ markings and patterns on the wings are as varied and beautiful as the spices in our Chai. This Asian beauty will be found wherever cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves and star of anise grows.
