Strong, flavoursome and nourishing, Cinnamon Tea is the perfect brew to get you out of bed in the morning! This delicious beverage is a blend of Black Loose Leaf Tea, and then flavoured with exotic, south Indian Cinnamon for an extra kick.
Cinnamon Tea is for the adventurous. Its distinct, yet delectable taste is like no other. When combined with a healthy and active lifestyle, this brew can likewise provide countless health benefits, including improved oral health, mental alertness, and even a reduced risk of Type II Diabetes. For those who are more interested in how it tastes, however, this loose tea boasts honey-like flavours with a notably sweet and especially enticing aroma.
The concept of flavouring teas has been practiced for centuries, particularly with spices such as cinnamon. On the Indian subcontinent, the most popular and undoubtedly the most famous flavoured tea is known as Chai Tea. Although the word ‘Chai’ can be translated to mean ‘tea’ in many countries around the world, ‘Chai’ in India often refers to a variety of beverages infused with numerous herbs, oils, and, of course, spices.
These mouthwatering recipes differ from state to state; region to region; and even from village to village. In fact, many families adopt their own, unique Chai Tea recipe, with many incorporated ingredients including cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, cloves, holy basil, and black peppercorns. These family recipes are passed on through the generations.
Cinnamon, in particular, has been used for thousands of years, as early as 2,000BCE. It is believed that the Ancient Egyptians used this spice as a perfuming agent during the embalming process of late Pharaohs. It is also mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible as an ingredient in anointing oil. Its introduction to Europe, meanwhile, was through Arab traders.
Yet, during the Middle Ages, supplies were limited and, as a result, Cinnamon was very expensive. During this period, and up until the early 16th Century, Arab traders wove elaborate tales for their European buyers on how they first obtained this luxury spice. This was to justify Cinnamon’s then exorbitant price, with one such tale dating back to the 5th Century BCE. It was said that gigantic birds carried the cinnamon sticks to their nests perched atop of almighty mountains, beyond the reach of any human. Wishing to get their hands on the spice, the nearby inhabitants placed large pieces of ox meat below the nests to tempt the birds.
When the birds returned to their nests with the meat, the weight would cause the nests to fall to the ground, allowing the cinnamon sticks to be collected. While it certainly makes a fascinating story, it is no surprise that there is no truth behind it. Today, Cinnamon remains an equally popular spice, and is included in many culinary dishes around the world, as well as tea!
Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Black Tea with Natural Flavouring.
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Honey is a must to satisfy the sweet tooth. It helps to bring out the flavours of the brew, and adds to the complex taste. For those who find Cinnamon Tea sweet enough as it is, this beverage is best served as it is.
Tasting Notes: Trying to avoid a trip to the bakery? This beverage might just be the answer to that sweet tooth craving! Unmistakably ‘cinnamon’ in both flavour and aroma, this brew carries sweet overtones, reminiscent of everyone’s favourite dessert bun! Warming and refreshing to the last, Cinnamon Tea is great for autumn drinking, although this does not mean it cannot be enjoyed season-round!
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor, light in tone.
Health Benefits: Black Tea is rich in antioxidants, most importantly, polyphenols known as theaflavin and thearubigin. These beneficial compounds are an integral component in all types of Black Tea including our very own Cinnamon Tea and are credited with combating free radicals found within the body. In turn, the antioxidant strength of Cinnamon Tea can provide the avid consumer with improved cardiovascular health, stress relief, and weight loss potential. The frequent consumption of Cinnamon Tea can help to boost the metabolism, which enables the body to burn fat quicker, and more efficiently.
