Gathering Place Chai Spice is a perfect blend of six certified organic, direct and ethically sourced spices: True Cinnamon pieces, Ginger pieces, Fennel Seeds, Cardamom Seeds, Whole Clove, and Whole Black Pepper. We created and perfected the recipe 20 years ago and this winning combination continues to be a best seller today.
What is Chai anyway? Chai actually means tea in Hindi and has been brewed in India for thousands of years. We honour that tradition by offering Chai Spices, without any tea added. Black tea was not added to Indian Chai until the 1930's with the British occupation. Previous to that, Chai was consumed as a mixture of spices to promote healing. Now Chai wallahs can be found on every corner of every Indian State, each with their own recipe.
Here at Gathering Place, we sell both Chai Spice and Rooibos Chai, but not the Black Tea version (as of yet!). Both of these can be traditionally simmered on the stove top to make a calming and nourishing beverage. Traditionally milk and sweetener are added, but there are myriad ways to enjoy Chai.
Use our Chai Spice long steeped in a teapot, or simmered on the stove top. Drink it on its own or added to your choice of tea, steamed oat, alternative, or dairy milk. The longer you steep, the stronger the brew, and any leftover tea can be refrigerated for reheating at a later date. That Chai liquid can also be used in baking recipes, as a substitue for other liquids, for a unique Chai flavour.
Our Rooibos Chai, is over 50% spices. We've looked at competitor's brands of Rooibos Chai, where you can't even see the spices! Ours is chock full of organic spicy goodness. Like Chai Spice, Rooibos Chai can be long steeped, or simmered on the stove top. Rooibos has no tannin or caffeine and so the tea has no bitterness. Extra tea can be refrigerated and heated up later, or used in recipes.
Besides being a delicious and satisfying beverage, Chai is warming and immune boosting. The kindergarten teacher on our small island told us that our Chai Rooibos is the reason she stays healthy each year through the winter. Chai is an amazing beverage to serve to guests and a great substitute for dessert after a filling meal.
So as the days get shorter, and the dark and cold set in, drink Chai! It will warm you inside and out. We guarantee it will become a part of your cozy fall and winter ritual!