From China, to Persia, to India. Over 5,000 years ago, the spice trade was not only a crucial period in history for economic growth and global exploration, but was also a huge influence in the cultural impact of the societies and cultures around it. Spices were not just ingredients for the culinary arts, but symbols of status, sophistication, and wealth.
Chai, also known as masala chai, had traditionally been brewed with black tea along with a blend of aromatic spices consisting of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper.
Spices such as these were highly valued during the spice trade for a number of reasons.
Cinnamon -
Cinnamon was highly influential during the spice trade for its high value and versatility - ranging from flavoring in culinary dishes to medicinal usage. Some health benefits consisted of minerals that support heart health and bone strength, along with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Aside from dishes and medicine, cinnamon was used in religious and cultural rituals, commonly as an offering. While cinnamon was found in the lush forests of Sri Lanka, myths circulated that it could be found in the nests of a giant mythical birds or that it grew in deep, snake infested valleys that were guarded by beasts. This not only deterred competitors but added to the mystique and kept the price high. Due to this, the spice was rare and exclusive, leading it to becoming a symbol of status.
Cloves -
Cloves were highly valued due to their unique properties. Like cinnamon, they were considered to be a key ingredient not only in cuisine, but also in traditional medicine. Medicinally, cloves are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants - helping with digestion, reduce inflammation, blood sugar control, and offer potential cancer protection health benefits. With the aromatic spice being sought after due to its high demand and production difficulty, cloves were commonly traded for precious goods and gold. Cultivating and harvesting cloves required a long-term investment due to tedious planning and management of the trees, taking several years before being able to yield a usable product.
Cardamom -
Sharing many prized qualities of both cinnamon and cloves, cardamom had similar properties of unique flavors, aroma, and medicinal usage. Medicinally, the spice was considered to be precious for its richness in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It was also used in medicine to treat urinary tract disorders and lower blood sugar levels. Historically, cardamom was also used in perfumes and cosmetics, which contributed to its influence and demand from wealthy individuals.
Ginger -
Valued not only for its flavor, ginger was believed to have contained therapeutic properties due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects. These properties, along with other medicinal usages ranging from digestive aid, immunity support, and pain relief, made this particular spice highly sought after. As time passed, rumors started to spread stating that ginger could ward off evil spirits and The Plague, soaring the popularity of the spice. Overtime, traditional medicine became more incorporated into culinary practice as well. Popularity for ginger grew not just for its medicinal purposes, but for the enhancement of taste it brought to dishes and flavor.
Just Made isn't just a beverage and snack company. We're a company that values quality ingredients, sustainability, and wellness. Wellness begins with what you put into your body, and so many foods contain functional ingredients and adaptogenic herbs that have benefited our bodies for centuries.
You can find these delicious spices in our Just Made Mango Chai - find on our online store or a retailer near you.