Product Overview
COCHIN MASALA CHAI
SPECIALTY CHAI TEA
PRIMARY NOTES:
CATEGORY: (CI SP): Chai Tea, Specialty
VARIETY: Black tea blend and spices
GRADE(S): BP (Broken Pekoe)
CUPPING NOTES:
CUP CHARACTERISTICS:Full bodied tea enhances South Indian masala spices. The finish has cardamom notes peeking out from lively ginger. Superb with milk and sugar.
INFUSION: Bright and coppery with golden highlights.
PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Aged cheddar, Camembert or brie, Dark chocolate, Indian foods of all descriptions.
FOOD USE SUGGESTIONS:
a) make a chai concentrate and refrigerate it. When the need arises add to a tall glass of milk.
b) Make a concentrate blend with some syrup and create an ice cream topping.
c) Use it as a marinade for spicy fish dishes d) Make rum taste terrific!
ORIGIN NOTES:
Manufactured in: Canada
INGREDIENTS FROM:
India / Kenya
REGION(S):
Assam / Nandi
SEASONALITY: 2nd flush (June growth) / Seasonal quality (Jan - Feb. growth)
SHIPPING PORT(S): Calcutta / Mombasa
GRADE COMPOSITION: BOP (Broken Orange Pekoe) / BP1 (Broken Pekoe #1)
GROWING ALTITUDE(S): 500 to 1500 / 5500 to 6500 feet above sea level
MANUFACTURE TYPE(S):
CTC (Cut, Torn and Curled)
INFORMATION:
The ancient city of Cochin is one of Southern Indias most important. It is for this reason that the city is sometimes referred to as the Gateway of Southern India. Throughout the centuries, the city, which is situated in the state of Kerala, came under the rule of many different masters. First came the exotically named Zamorin of Kozhikode (Calicut). It is believed however that the name of the city derives from the Chinese word kochi, given to the city by its next ruler, the great Kublai Khan.
Cochin however first came to prominence during the rule of the Portuguese around 1530. Their empire at the time was one of the worlds most powerful and under their tenure Cochin developed into a very prosperous trading centre. After the Portuguese came Dutch rule in the mid 17th century, followed by the British, and finally, after Indian independence, Indian rule.
One can imagine that is because of this mix of cultures that Cochin subsequently became famous for a mixture of its own, Cochin Masala - a mixture of coconut, ground red chilies, dal, coriander, and turmeric. Cochin Masala is a cooking staple in Southern India and is used to flavor curries of all sorts. It is with high regard for the long history of this ancient city that we present this wonderful chai, one of Indias most popular beverages.
Traditionally this chai would be brewed using milk instead of water. The same effect however, can be created by brewing your tea in the usual fashion and adding warm milk. Brew yourself a cup and be spiritually transported to old Cochin - truly superb tea.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
INGREDIENTS:Black tea, Ginger, Coriander, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Black pepper.
ALLERGENS: Nuts: No, Gluten: No, Wheat: No, Sulfites: No, Soy Lecithin: No, Crustacea: No, Eggs: No, Milk or dairy: No
Packed at a factory that has a HACCP certified allergen control program.
Packed at a factory that has nuts on the premises
CAFFEINE LEVEL: Medium
This tea contains natural caffeine found in the L. Camellia Sinensis family. A cup of black tea steeped in boiled water for 5 minutes will contain between 27 to 35 mg of caffeine, about the same amount as an equal serving of Coca-Cola **. An equal sized cup of coffee will contain between 80 - 100 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine quickly becomes soluble in very hot water. If you wish to reduce the caffeine level in this tea, briefly rinsing the tea leaves in extremely hot water will reduce the caffeine content between 25-50% with only a minor effect on taste. **
As reported by Health Canada Est.
Antioxidant Guide: Antioxidant Content: High: 7.50 - 9.99% polyphenols by dry weight.
Note: The longer you steep your tea the more polyphenols will be extracted. (Test results based on 5 minutes steeping time. Polyphenol percentages may fluctuate with lot, grade of tea, testing method, temperature of water and freshness of tea)
Food Standards: This tea meets or exceeds the food safety compliance standards covering microbiological activity, heavy metals and pesticide MRLs for the European Union, Japan, Canada, USA and all other major tea importing countries.
Product Assurance: All the ingredients used in this tea are commonly used in teas and other foods.
Radiation Statement: This tea is not irradiated in any form.
GMO Statement: This product is not made with any elements that might be Genetically Modified.
Environment Statement #1: This tea comes from tea estates that undertake responsible land-use practices. Tea estate land not used for tea cultivation or worker vegetable gardens, remains in its natural state or has been reforested as part of the estates managed-forest program.
Environment Statement #2: Our supplier created its own carbon-offset program by purchasing 200 acres of land. This land contains 80 acres of wetland maintaining a healthy home for more than 50 different species of amphibians, reptiles, fish, songbirds and migrating waterfowl; 80 acres of mature hardwood forest for an immediate carbon-offset and 40 acres of pastureland which was reforested in 2011 with more than 25,000 native trees.
Environment Statement #3: October 2012 Our supplier is commissioning its own 500 kwh solar array constructed on its factory roof.
Environment Statement #4: January 2011 Our supplier is carbon neutral and commencing October 2012 carbon negative.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Canada per 175 ml - % of Daily Values Calories 0 Fat 0g 0 % Sodium 2mg 0 % Carbohydrate 1g 0 % Protein 0.1g Not a significant source of fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.
USA Serving size 2.5g of loose tea. Makes 8 fl oz or 240ml Amount per Serving, Calories: 0 Cal. Percent of Daily Value Fat 0g 0 % Sodium 2mg 0 % Carbohydrate 1g 0% Protein 0.1g Not a significant source of fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, sugars, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.
UK 100 ml tea infusion *(no milk) typically gives you: Energy 2kJ less than 1kcal Protein 0.1g Carbohydrate trace : of which come from sugars: trace Fat trace : of which come saturated fats: trace Fibre 0g Sodium trace Per serving of 200ml (1 cup) 1 Calorie 0g Fat Per serving of 170ml tea infusion and 30ml semi-skimmed milk 14 Calories 0.5g Fat
* Based on tea brewed with freshly boiled water for 3 minutes.
PRODUCT CREDENTIALS: Organic Credentials This tea is a non-organic conventional tea packed at our supplier a certified organic tea handler; certified to the standards of the USDA/NOP, COR (Canadian Organic) and EU (European Organic) programs by SAI Global Certification Services Limited - Certificate Number 150-2008. Also certified by the Organic Farmers & Growers of the European Union - Certificate number GB-ORG-02.
Social Credentials: 100% of the tea comes from tea estates certified by: - Our suppliers global audit program - 100% of the teas come from estates certified by ETP (Ethical Tea Partnership) - >50% of the teas come from estates certified by Fair Trade - >50% of the teas come from estates certified by Rainforest Alliance
BREWING RECOMMENDATIONS
1 cup; 230-280ml, 8-10 fl oz): Weaker Tea: ¾ teaspoon (1.7 gr. / 0.06 oz.) Regular Strength Tea: 1 teaspoon (2.2 gr. / 0.08 oz.) Stronger Tea: 1 ½ teaspoon (3.0 gr. / 0.11 oz.) Sugg. Brewing Temp: 100C / 212F Sugg. Brewing Time: Weaker < 3 min. / Regular Strength 4-5 min. / Stronger > 6-8 min*
Sugar: Recommended or to taste if desired Milk: Recommended or to taste if desired Lemon: Not recommended Fresh Mint Sprig: Not ecommended
Energy Saving Tip: Dont over-fill your kettle. Boil only the water you need for the amount of tea you are serving. It is recommended that you use about 40-50ml (2-4 ounces) more water then required to account for steam loss and avoiding any residual calcification in your kettle being poured into your tea.
** Note: The longer brewing time for stronger tea, may be too astringent for some tastes but, more polyphenols will be extracted!
Important: Turn your bag of Chai upside down a few times. The powdered spices can settle at the bottom of the bag during transit.
HOT TEA BREWING METHOD: Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea for each 7-9oz/200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes (for true chayee chayee; steep at least 7 minutes). While the tea is brewing prepare your cup to receive the chai put 2 teaspoons of sugar in the cup and add milk (about 20%) of the cup's volume. When the chai is ready pour into your cup.
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 7 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags. Add ice, milk and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving): Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea into a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 7 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Add milk and sweeten to taste. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)
ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: More antioxidants are extracted from tea (L. Camellia Sinesis), the longer it is brewed and the more tea that is used, the greater the antioxidant benefit.
FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: In food service environments, we strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.
STORAGE GUIDELINES Shelf Life: 2 years Storage conditions: Unopened - ideally in a cool dry location and not in direct sunlight. After opening store in an airtight container in a cool dry location. Tea can safely be stored in vacuum pack bag - tightly fold the top of the bag over and seal with tape. Do not refrigerate.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS NOTES: Black tea comes from the same plant as green and white teas, (Camellia Sinensis) and is an excellent source of antioxidants and polyphenols. Antioxidants and tea polyphenols are documented in various research papers as inhibitors of various types of cancers in some cases. A Dutch study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that the risk of heart attack in people who drank 3 or more cups of black tea per day was 1/2 that of non-black tea drinkers. The study also found that the risk of dying from a heart attack, if they had one, was reduced by 1/3rd.*
*(Geleijnse, Johanna M et al. Inverse association of tea and flavonoid intakes with incident myocardial infarction: the Rotterdam Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;75:880-86.)
In laboratory tests commissioned by our supplier, results noted that premium black teas grown at high altitude generally contained more antioxidants compared to low altitude common green teas. A cup of tea consumed without milk or sugar or any other additives contains no calories. Recently (since 2008) research has been done that indicates black tea can be consumed for reducing the risk of heart attack and kidney stones: a dose of at least one cup per day.
