No Anonymous Ingredients
Hello! Feel free to browse through our frequently asked questions. If you have a question or comments after reading, please feel free to contact us at hello@cardamomandcurry.com
What is Chai Tea?
In India, “Chai” MEANS tea. In America, when we say “Chai Tea” we are really saying a version of spice tea.
Why is your Chai so special?
Every ingredient from tea to spices to essential oils is of the highest quality we can purchase. Integrity is our promise. After making authentic chai for over 20 years, we are very particular about our cup of tea. We are happiest when we are blending our teas! We make them in small batches of 15-20 pounds only. We grind the spices ourselves to insure freshness and quality. When the tea is all blended, we make a cup and evaluate it for many qualities, test that the notes are all blended according to our special recipes and when it “wow’s” US, we pack it. We will not sell our teas if they are good, they have to be GREAT.
Where do your teas come from?
Our teas originate from pristine farms in India, China, Japan and Australia. Our spices are all Indian and our herbs are wild-crafted, organic and certified organic.
You have many teas to choose from. Are they all easy to prepare?
Absolutely! Please refer to our brewing instructions. Because all of our teas are blended with real ingredients, we always use boiling water to start with. It assists the ingredients to “come alive” in your pot or cup. All teas, with the exception of chai tea made in a saucepan with cream/milk, and our turmeric wellness teas, can be steeped in your cup by pouring boiling water over them. Our authentic Indian Chai tea is traditionally made by putting all ingredients including tea, water, milk, cream, or soy, sugar or sweetener of your choice into a saucepan. Follow the instructions for a “perfect” cup of chai. And be sure to watch the instructional video on the brewing instructions page as well.
How fresh are your teas?
We frequently blend our teas during the year. They will stay fresh in the pouches for about 6 months. Our quality tins are made especially to hold tea so they will keep the teas fresh for 2 years. (We have opened these tins after 5 years only to find that the teas were just as fresh as the day we packed them.)
When I tasted your chai tea, I loved them! When I tried to make them, they didn’t taste like yours, what happened?
Here are Paula’s comments for the perfect cup of tea:
When I prepare my chai, I put all the ingredients in a saucepan. I use purified water; it makes a difference. I use half n’ half and whole cow’s milk, and organic sugar. I also use a fine mesh tea strainer because some of the fresh spices are small.
Bringing the chai to a “volcano boil” is very important. The color will change to a rich caramel color. Then simply strain over a cup stopping just before the residue pours into the cup for a CLEAN cup of tea. If you alter the ingredients, you will alter the taste but please feel free to experiment!
I got down to the bottom of the tin of your tea, and it was only spices, why?
Please give the pouch/tin a good shake EVERY time you make tea. Remember everything is real, no natural flavoring. Our motto is “shake ’em before you make ‘em!
Can I ice your teas?
Yes! All of our teas can be iced. Simply add more teaspoons of tea and more water then strain it over a Pyrex glass or stainless steel bowl and when it is cool, put it in a pitcher in the fridge. If you want it hot again, just reheat.
Can I get more than 1 cup with your tea blends?
Yes! All of our teas can take 2 infusions. We use 1 “perfect tea spoon” and 8 oz. of water. Because we use ”REAL” and “QUALITY” ingredients, everything is edible. We save the remnants and use them in our juices and smoothies as a great way to get added nutrients. We even cook and bake with our teas. Just toss them in your soups, stews and baked goods for added flavor. Just have fun, be creative!
Do you carry Wellness teas that are caffeine free?
Yes! We have a great selection of Turmeric teas as well as Ashwagandha, Tulsi, and Gotu Kola.
Do you offer wholesale?
We do offer a resale price to wholesalers. We also offer teas by the pound to our loyal customers, especially those on a wellness program. Please email us at hello@cardamomandcurry.com for more information.