"Spices that stimulate circulation, bring blood to the surface of the skin and warm up the body are known as warming spices."
Spices that stimulate circulation, bring blood to the surface of the skin and warm up the body are known as warming spices.
These spices are a great way to warm you up on chilly winter days and are extremely nutrient dense, with numerous properties to help support a healthy immune system. This winter try adding more of these to your diet with our delicious, warming chai latte recipe.
Here are some of the properties of the spices used in this tasty recipe:
Cinnamon: This is a great spice to add to your diet on a daily basis. Packed with antioxidants it contains the compounds cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate. These assist cells against stress and free radicals and can help tp stabilise your blood sugar levels.
Black Pepper: This is one of the most commonly used spices. Piperine is a key chemical in black pepper that helps with the absorption of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) and can aid in digestion, inflammation and help lower blood pressure.
Ginger: Ginger is rich in phytonutrients called gingerols. Studies have shown that gingerols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti viral and antibacterial effects.
Nutmeg: Has been used throughout history as a relaxant and to relieve anxiety and depression.
Star Anise: Named after it's beautiful 8-pointed star appearance, star anise contains the active compounds, shikimic acid and anethole. These compounds give this spice its immunity supporting properties.
* NOTE * Anise has a rich, exotic taste similar to licorice. While you may not have typically associated this with a chai latte it gives the drink a lovely sweetness and I'd recommend giving it a try! However, if it's not for you, feel free to omit this from the recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 cups water (you’ll simmer this down to 2)
- 1 vanilla bean
- 2 star anise (optional)
- 1 inch piece ginger root, sliced thin or grated
- 10 shelled cardamom pods
- 3 cinnamon quills
- ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- 10 black peppercorns
- 2 cups of your favourite nut milk (we used almond milk)
- 2 teaspoons red rooibus tea
- Honey to sweeten (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a pot with 3 cups of water and place over low heat.
- Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise to expose the little black seeds and add the entire bean to the pot
- (If using) Use the flat side of your knife gently crush the star of anise and add to the pot
- Add ginger, cardamom seeds, cinnamon quills, nutmeg and peppercorns
- Bring the water to a boil then reduce to a simmer for 20 – 30 minutes.
- Add the milk and rooibus tea in a mesh strainer and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Strain liquid. If desired add a small dollop of honey to taste.
- If you'd like to get a frothy layer on the top, pour chai liquid into a blender and give it a whizz for a couple of seconds.
If you give this a go, let us know and tag us in your pictures with @bepurebenwarren. Have you tried our Turmeric Latte yet?
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