Chai spices reveals all its secrets

With the arrival of autumn and the start of the new term, we are all looking for ways to stay energised and focused throughout the day. This is where Chai comes into play. This ancient beverage, originating from South Asia, is much more than just a spiced drink. Thanks to its unique blend of spices like cinnamon, ginger, and pepper, Chai offers energising and invigorating benefits, perfect for tackling the challenges of the season.

Whether you’re looking to complement your caffeine intake or replace it, Chai is the ideal drink to stimulate your senses and revitalise your body while providing a comforting warmth. Today, we’ll tell you all about this unique blend!

Chai, an iconic drink originating from India, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. Initially used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic medicine, Chai was a blend of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper, infused in hot water without tea. It wasn’t until the 19th century, under British influence, that black tea was added, creating the modern version we know today. In Cambodia, Chai has been reinterpreted, incorporating local spices to create unique flavours that reflect the Cambodian terroir.

At the crossroads of tradition and innovation, our Cambodian Chai stands out for its unique character and exceptional flavours. Unlike traditional Chais, often associated with India, our version is inspired by the aromatic richness of Cambodia, our adopted country. Carefully crafted, it combines local spices such as Cassia Cinnamon, Forest Cardamom, Young Ginger, and Black Kampot Pepper, creating a drink with deep, captivating notes.
Turmeric adds a lovely touch of colour, similar to “golden milk,” also known as “golden latte.”
Without added sugar or caffeine, our Cambodian Chai is ideal for those seeking a natural and revitalising alternative to coffee.

OUR CHAI BLEND: EXCEPTIONAL SPICES

At La Plantation, we have created a one-of-a-kind Chai Blend by carefully selecting unique spices directly from our Farm:

• Cassia Cinnamon: Known for its sweet and woody aroma, it adds a comforting and slightly sweet touch to our blend.
• Forest Cardamom: With its minty notes, it adds aromatic complexity while enhancing other flavours.
• Young Ginger: Renowned for its spicy and zesty flavour, ginger gives our Chai its character.
• Black Kampot Pepper: This rare and aromatic pepper offers a mild heat and subtle notes of fruit and flowers, with a robust finish.
• Turmeric: This golden spice is appreciated for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to give the blend a vibrant colour and earthy taste.

This harmonious blend of spices is designed to offer an authentic and delicious experience, without added sugar, for a healthy and intensely flavoured version.
Our little extra is the combination of Turmeric and Black Kampot Pepper for a bowl of goodness!

To create your own chai latte, start by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of our Chai Blend and your milk to a saucepan. Once hot, if necessary add sugar or honey, but try without first. These comforting drinks are perfect at any time of day, and can be made into a chilled version for summer days!

 Chai spices aren’t just for drinks; they also add a unique depth of flavour to a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. In cooking, these spices can be used to flavour dishes like curries, soups, or marinades, adding a warm and spicy touch. For baking enthusiasts, chai spices are perfect for enhancing the flavours of desserts such as cookies, cakes, or even gingerbread. The Chai blend can elevate shortbread biscuits in a single spoonful, replacing a four-spice mix. It’s ideal for speculoos recipes! Try our amaretto chai cake recipe for a dessert with subtle almond and chai notes, or explore our dessert recipes to discover new gourmet inspirations. Chai spices can also be incorporated into homemade granola recipes, fruit compotes, or crème brûlées for a surprisingly delicious result. Using chai spices in cooking allows you to create dishes that are both comforting and exotic, perfect for surprising and delighting your guests.