Masala tea leaves

Traditional Indian Spiced Tea

Masala Tea Leaves is a classic spiced black tea blend built on organic black orthodox tea and six traditional Indian spices — the same combination that has anchored chai culture across the Indian subcontinent for generations. Bold, aromatic, and made to be brewed strong with milk or steeped clean on its own.

Ingredients

Cloves*, Cinnamon*, Cardamom*, Ginger*, Black Pepper*, Black Orthodox Leaves* (All Organic)

The Ingredients

Black Orthodox Tea — The foundation of the blend. Black orthodox tea refers to whole-leaf or large-cut black tea processed using traditional methods, resulting in a fuller body and more complex flavor than CTC (cut-tear-curl) grades. It holds up well to boiling and pairs with milk without losing character.

Cardamom — The most aromatic element in the masala. Cardamom's distinctive floral warmth is the defining fragrance of Indian chai and appears in virtually every regional masala blend. Both green cardamom pods and seeds carry the flavor.

Cinnamon — Sweet and woody, cinnamon adds warmth and rounds the blend's edge. It is a consistent presence in North Indian and South Indian masala chai alike.

Cloves — Intense and resinous, cloves are used in small quantity but contribute a lasting depth and a faintly numbing warmth to the finish. A staple of the garam masala family that also appears in chai.

Ginger — Warming and bright. Ginger is present in nearly every Indian spiced tea preparation and adds a clean heat that cuts through the richness of milk-based brewing. Dried ginger in a masala blend is more concentrated than fresh — a small amount carries significant flavor.

Black Pepper — The oldest Indian spice in global trade. Black pepper in masala chai adds a dry, peppery heat that is distinct from ginger's brightness. It is a traditional inclusion in the spice mixture and contributes to the blend's lasting warmth.

What Is Masala Tea?

"Masala" comes from the Hindi and Urdu word for a mixture of spices — the same root that gives us garam masala, chaat masala, and other compound spice preparations central to Indian cooking. Masala chai, literally "spiced tea," is the category of Indian tea preparation in which whole or ground spices are combined with black tea and brewed, typically with milk and sweetener.

Masala chai is not a single recipe — it varies significantly by region, household, and maker. In Mumbai, the chai-wallah (tea vendor) typically favors strong ginger and tea; in the south, cardamom and pepper dominate; in Kashmir, the preparation diverges into Kahwa territory with green tea and rose petals. What unifies them is the practice of simmering tea and spices together, a method that extracts flavor from the spices far more thoroughly than a simple steep.

The chai-wallah is a fixture of Indian street and rail culture — vendors who have perfected their particular masala blend over years and brew it continuously through the day in large pots. Our Masala Tea Leaves blend is designed for home preparation of the same tradition: a spiced black tea worth brewing properly.

Sourcing

Our botanicals are sourced through direct supplier relationships developed during sourcing trips to India. NutriBotanix sources ingredients from suppliers that provide documentation and quality standards appropriate for botanical ingredients.

How to Brew

Traditional boil method (with milk):

• Combine ¾ cup water and ¼ cup whole milk in a small saucepan
• Add 1 heaped teaspoon (2–3g) of Masala Tea Leaves per cup
• Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Watch carefully — milk-based chai can boil over quickly
• Strain into your cup and sweeten with jaggery, sugar, or honey to taste
• For a stronger cup, increase the tea-to-water ratio or simmer longer

Water-only steep method:

• Bring water to a full boil (100°C / 212°F)
• Add 1 heaped teaspoon to a strainer or infuser
• Steep for 4–5 minutes for a strong cup, 3 minutes for a lighter brew
• Remove strainer and serve — add honey or sweetener to taste

Traditional sweeteners: Jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) is the most common sweetener used in Indian chai and adds a caramel-like depth. White sugar, coconut sugar, or honey all work well depending on your preference.

Honey Pairing

Masala Tea Leaves pairs well with honey stirred in after brewing or added to a milk-based chai. We suggest:

• Sourwood Honey — buttery and mild, a complementary pairing for the cinnamon and clove finish
• Orange Blossom Honey — floral and delicate, adds a bright note to the warming spice blend

Brewing Tools

The right tools make loose leaf tea simple.

• Unbleached Disposable Tea Bags — Single-use, unbleached, chlorine-free. Fill, steep, discard. No strainer required.
• Heart-Shaped Tea Infuser — Reusable stainless-steel infuser for everyday loose-leaf brewing. Fits standard mugs and teacups.

Related Products

• Kashmiri Kahwa Tea — the green tea and rose petal tradition from the Kashmir Valley
• Natural Unbleached Tea Bags — for loose-leaf brewing without a strainer
• Tea Strainer — our stainless steel strainer for loose-leaf preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is masala tea?
Masala tea (masala chai) is a category of Indian spiced black tea made by simmering or steeping black tea with a blend of whole or ground spices, typically including cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. The word "masala" means spice mixture in Hindi. Our Masala Tea Leaves blend is an organic version of this traditional preparation.

Does it have to be made with milk?
No — it brews well with water only and produces a strong, aromatic cup. Milk brewing is the traditional Indian preparation and creates a richer, creamier result. Both methods work; the choice depends on your preference.

Does this tea contain caffeine?
Yes. The black orthodox tea base is naturally caffeinated. A 1 tsp serving brewed 3–5 minutes will yield moderate caffeine — roughly comparable to a cup of standard black tea, less than espresso.

What size should I order?
The 1 oz pouch makes approximately 10–14 cups and is ideal for first-time buyers or occasional use. The 3.5 oz size offers significantly better value per cup for households that drink masala chai regularly.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.