What is pink tea?
What is pink tea?
Also known as noon chai, pink tea is a traditional beverage originating from Kashmir. Characterised by its delicate creamy taste, pink tea can be used as a base to which signature flavours are added. Popular infusions include small amounts of cardamom, cinnamon, pistachio, rose or sea salt.
In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about pink tea, including what it is and how to make it. Read on to find out more.
What is pink tea?
Noon chai is a hot beverage made using green tea, bicarbonate of soda, salt and milk, with 'noon' meaning 'salt' in kashmiri. The drink takes on a unique pinkish hue as a result of the chlorophyll in the green tea leaves reacting with the bicarbonate of soda. The exact shade of the tea varies, however, this should have little impact on the overall taste of the drink.
The taste of pink tea depends on the ingredient ratios and whether you choose to infuse your beverage with any additional flavourings. Traditionally made using green tea leaves from the Kashmiri region, pink tea is now available with various flavour combinations, and is sometimes made using a stronger tea, such as pinhead gunpowder.
The benefits of pink tea
This traditional beverage is considered to have some health and well-being benefits, including:
Low caffeine
Unlike traditional English breakfast tea, pink tea contains little to no caffeine. Cutting down on caffeine carries many benefits, including less anxiety, balanced hormones, better sleep, lower blood pressure and a reduction in teeth staining. Swapping out your morning brew with a cup of pink tea could therefore boost your health and wellbeing, making it an attractive option for many.
Strengthens bones
Pink tea contains a wealth of ingredients that can help strengthen your bones, including magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and sodium. As a result, those with osteoarthritis and hormone deficiencies may benefit from consuming pink tea, as well as the elderly and those going through menopause.
Aids weight loss
Depending on what you choose to infuse your pink tea with, it typically contains few calories. Traditionally prepared noon chai contains as little as 115 calories per cup, meaning that swapping your high-calorie coffee with sugar syrup for a cup of this Kashmiri tea can aid your weight loss.
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Pink tea supports a healthy heart and cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of you developing cardiovascular diseases. It contains polyphenols that are able to clear bad cholesterol from the body's blood vessels and is generally a low-fat drink. Keep your heart healthy and happy by enjoying pink tea daily.
Boosts your immune system
The vitamin C in pink tea functions to boost your immune system, supporting your body to fight off infection and destroy harmful bacteria.
Reduces stress and anxiety
Pink tea can help to relax and de-stress the drinker due to the amino acid L-theanine. This acts as a natural mood-booster, making pink tea the ideal drink to unwind with.
How is pink tea served?
Pink tea is typically served hot with sugar and crushed nuts. It is a popular beverage year-round, but is traditionally served to guests at Kashmiri winter weddings. This beverage is best served in a delicate teacup or coffee glass.
How to make pink tea
Making pink tea at home is simple, and only requires a few ingredients. Whilst there are various ways to make pink tea, we recommend the following tried and tested recipe:
• One tablespoon of Kashmiri green tea leaves
• 500ml of water
• Pinch of bicarbonate of soda
• Pinch of salt
• 250ml of milk, or dairy-alternative (creamy options, such as cashew milk, work best)
• One teaspoon of sugar (add more if you prefer your tea sweet)
• Optional: spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom
1. Add the tea leaves and 250ml water to a saucepan, along with the salt and any spices.
2. Bring the contents of the pan to a boil and allow to simmer on a medium heat.
3. Stir in a pinch of bicarbonate of soda.
4. Leave the tea to simmer for 30 minutes. You may need to add more water as it reduces.
5. After around 40 minutes, your tea should have developed a pink colour. Add a further 250ml of cold water to the saucepan, along with the milk and sugar.
6. Simmer the tea for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea.
8. Serve in teacups of coffee glasses with chopped nuts.
If you wish to infuse your pink tea with additional flavours, add the additional ingredients in during steps one and five. Experiment with your ratios and flavourings to find the blend that you like best.
Pink tea is rising in popularity
Once considered a niche beverage, pink tea is now rising in popularity across the world. Brew your own pink tea at home, or serve this delicious hot drink to customers using our disposable hot beverage cups. For everything you need to serve hot drinks in style, browse our collection today.
If you wish to enquire about any of our products or services, or if you are just after some friendly, professional advice, contact us today using the form on our website, by calling 0161 886 4989, or by emailing info@cooksmill.co.uk.
