Brewing Chai

Embarking on the journey of preparing loose-leaf chai might seem a bit intimidating initially, but fear not—Chai Trolley is here to guide you through the process. Our goal is to share our love for chai by providing you with recipes and accessories that will elevate your chai-making experience. Whether you're brewing a single cup or preparing a pot for a gathering, our straightforward recipes will make crafting the perfect cup of chai an effortless and enjoyable endeavor.

MASTER THE ART OF BREWING BLACK TEA

Ingredients:

  • Fresh, quality water
  • Your favorite Chai Trolley loose-leaf tea blend
  • Sweetener of your choice (e.g., sugar, honey, agave syrup)
  • Milk (optional)

Equipment:

  • Chai Trolley teapot or tea infuser
  • Kettle
  • Your favorite Chai Trolley mug

Instructions:

  1. Water Temperature:

    • Bring water to a rolling boil (212°F or 100°C) for our classic chai blends.
  2. Measure Chai Trolley Tea:

    • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of your chosen Chai Trolley loose-leaf tea per 8-ounce cup. Adjust to your taste preferences.
  3. Warm Up Your Chai Trolley Teapot and Mug:

    • Preheat your Chai Trolley teapot and mug by adding a small amount of hot water. Swirl and discard to ensure they're ready for the flavorful infusion.
  4. Add Chai Trolley Loose-Leaf Tea:

    • Place the measured Chai Trolley loose-leaf tea into your Chai Trolley tea infuser or teapot.
  5. Pour Hot Water:

    • Pour the hot water over the Chai Trolley loose-leaf tea, ensuring all the aromatic spices are fully immersed.
  6. Steeping Time:

    • Let the magic happen! Allow your Chai Trolley blend to steep for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
  7. Add Sweetener:

    • Enhance the sweetness to your liking by adding your preferred sweetener. Stir well to ensure it dissolves.
  8. Optional: Add Milk:

    • Customize your Chai Trolley tea by adding milk for a creamy texture. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
  9. Strain or Remove Tea Leaves:

    • Prevent over-brewing by removing the Chai Trolley tea leaves or tea infuser promptly.
  10. Serve in Your Chai Trolley Mug:

    • Pour the brewed Chai Trolley milk tea into your favorite Chai Trolley mug.
  11. Optional Enhancements:

    • Customize further with additional flavorings if desired.
  12. Savor the Chai Trolley Milk Tea Experience:

    • Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of your freshly brewed Chai Trolley milk tea. Let each sip transport you to a world of warmth and delight!

Experiment with milk quantities, sweetener levels, and brewing times to find your perfect balance. Enjoy the delightful experience of Chai Trolley Milk Tea!

MASTER THE ART OF BREWING GREEN TEA

Ingredients:

  • Fresh, quality water
  • Your favorite Chai Trolley green tea leaves

Equipment:

  • Chai Trolley teapot or tea infuser
  • Kettle
  • Your favorite Chai Trolley mug

Instructions:

  1. Water Temperature:

    • Heat water to a temperature between 175°F to 185°F (80°C to 85°C). Green tea generally requires slightly cooler water compared to other tea types.
  2. Measure Green Tea Leaves:

    • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of Chai Trolley green tea leaves per 8-ounce cup. Adjust to your taste preferences.
  3. Warm Up Your Chai Trolley Teapot and Mug:

    • Preheat your Chai Trolley teapot or tea infuser and mug by adding a small amount of hot water. Swirl and discard to ensure they're ready for brewing.
  4. Add Green Tea Leaves:

    • Place the measured Chai Trolley green tea leaves into your Chai Trolley tea infuser or teapot.
  5. Pour Hot Water:

    • Pour the hot water over the green tea leaves. Ensure all the leaves are submerged.
  6. Steeping Time:

    • Allow the green tea to steep for 1 to 3 minutes. Steeping time can be adjusted based on your desired strength; shorter steeping times for a lighter taste and longer for a stronger infusion.
  7. Strain or Remove Tea Leaves:

    • Once the steeping is complete, remove the Chai Trolley green tea leaves or tea infuser to prevent over-steeping.
  8. Serve in Your Chai Trolley Mug:

    • Pour the freshly brewed Chai Trolley green tea into your favorite Chai Trolley mug.
  9. Optional Enhancements:

    • Customize your green tea by adding a slice of lemon, a sprig of mint, or a touch of honey if desired.
  10. Savor the Chai Trolley Green Tea Experience:

    • Delight in the fresh and vibrant flavors of your Chai Trolley green tea. Each sip offers a soothing and invigorating experience.

Experiment with steeping times and additional flavorings to find your perfect cup of Chai Trolley green tea. Enjoy!

F.A.Q.

What temperature should I steep my tea at?

Type of Tea Temperature
Green Tea 71°C/160°F
White Tea 82°C/180°F
Oolong Tea 88°C/190°F
Black Tea 100°C/212°F

How long should I steep my tea for?

Typer of Tea Temperature
Green Tea 2~3 minutes
White Tea 1~3 minutes
Oolong Tea 3~5 minutes
Black Tea 3~5 minutes

 

Why does my tea taste bitter?
When tea has a bitter, almost astringent taste, the most likely culprit is that it hasn't been prepared correctly. When too many tannins are released from the loose-leaf during the infusion process it causes a bitter or astringent flavor. This often happens when the water temperature or the steeping time is not correct. Next time, try lowering your water temperature by a few degrees and/or steep the tea for a shorter amount of time.
How long can you store loose-leaf tea?
Most loose-leaf teas should last in your pantry shelf for a one to two years when stored correctly.
How should I store my loose-leaf tea?
There are three main factors that contribute to the deterioration of loose-leaf tea: light, moisture, and odors. For best results, store tea in an airtight container in a dark place away from any moisture or strong odors. Investing in a good quality airtight container will make a difference in how long you can store loose-leaf tea.