Chai tea is black tea.
Understanding Chai Tea Composition
According to the provided reference, traditional Indian "masala chai" is made from a base of black tea combined with various spices. These spices often include:
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Black pepper
- Nutmeg
- Star anise
- Ginger
- Fennel
This spiced black tea is then typically brewed strong and mixed with milk. Therefore, the foundational element that defines chai is black tea, not green tea.
