Tea Brewing: Stop Boiling Your Chai Like Kheer! Here's The Right Way Most Indians Don't Know

Tea contains something called 'tannins'. When you over-boil your chai, these tannins not only make it bitter but also stop your body from absorbing iron.

The first cup

That first cup of hot chai in the morning feels like heaven, right? Especially on a rainy day, the smell of masala chai can cure half a headache. But here's a little twist! While making tea isn't hard, the way most of us do it is actually the wrong way.

Old Habits

Yes, many of us have this habit of boiling tea for ages, almost like we're making kheer. Some people even reheat the same tea made in the morning multiple times until the evening. If you're one of them, you need to stop right now! Because what you're drinking isn't a magic potion, it's a packet of acidity.

So why shouldn't you boil it so much?

Tea leaves contain a compound called 'tannin'. When you boil tea excessively, these tannins not only make it taste bitter but also interfere with your body's ability to absorb iron. This means, no matter how healthy your food is, if you drink over-boiled tea, your body won't get the nutrients!

What happens when you boil it like kheer?

You destroy all the good stuff! Milk has Vitamin C, B12, and calcium. When you add milk to tea powder and boil it for ten minutes, all these nutrients are completely destroyed by the heat. What's left is just coloured water with no real taste. Heartburn is also guaranteed because over-boiling increases the tea's pH level, directly causing acidity, bloating, and indigestion.

The perfect way

You also kill the flavour. Boiling tea beyond a certain point destroys its natural aroma and brings out a bitter, astringent taste. You'll notice a strange layer on your tongue after drinking it. So, what's the 'perfect' way to make tea? Experts say it's better to 'brew' tea than to 'boil' it. And no, this isn't some fancy London technique, it's actually very simple!

How to make the perfect tea

First, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the tea powder and immediately switch off the flame. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit for 3-4 minutes. During this time, the full essence of the tea leaves will steep into the water. Afterwards, add sugar and pre-heated milk separately. This method gives you amazing flavour and is much healthier.

The final word

Your tea should be a comforting drink that soothes your mind, not a chemical that messes with your stomach. Starting tomorrow, keep an eye on the clock and don't boil your tea for more than 4-5 minutes. Remember, you're making chai, not payasam!