Thai tea is a popular and refreshing beverage that originates from Thailand. It is known for its vibrant orange color, which often raises the question, “Is Thai tea supposed to be orange?”
The answer is yes, Thai tea is indeed supposed to be orange. The unique orange color of Thai tea is a result of the combination of ingredients used in its preparation, which include black tea leaves, sweetened condensed milk, and various spices.
This combination gives Thai tea its signature appearance and flavor. Sometimes, artificial coloring is also used to give it a bright orange hue.
In this article, I will go through the fascinating world of Thai tea, exploring its ingredients, preparation methods, and the reason behind its specific and unique orange hue. So, let’s get started!
The Origin Of Thai Tea
- Thai tea originated in Thailand and later became famous worldwide along with other Thai cuisines because of its rich culinary history and wide range of flavors.
- Commonly known by the term “cha yen” or “Thai iced tea,” this kind of drink is growing in recognition and acclaim within Thailand as well as across the globe as a whole.
- Chinese immigrants moved to Thailand in the nineteenth century, carrying with them their tea-drinking customs, which included taking strong black tea.
- Thai tea developed into a unique drink all on its own over time, with a blend of black tea leaves, sweet condensed milk, and some spices occasionally.
- This combination not only gives Thai tea its signature orange color but also gives a creamy and aromatic flavor that sets it apart from other teas.
- Thai tea became a staple in local cafes, street stalls, and restaurants.
- It is perfect for combating the hot and humid climate of Thailand.
- Thai tea is also often served alongside spicy and flavorful Thai cuisine, acting as a cooling and sweet contrast to the bold flavors of the food.
- Nowadays, Thai tea can be found in various countries, served in Thai restaurants, and specialty tea shops, and even adapted into different variations to suit different preferences.
Understanding The Role Of Ingredients In Thai Tea
Thai tea is well known for its recognizable orange hue, which enhances its visual appeal and helps to establish its identity. Due to the careful selection of ingredients and the brewing method, the beverage has a brilliant tint.
By exploring the ingredients, we can gain insights into the science behind the captivating shade of Thai tea.
Black Tea Leaves
Thai tea’s base is black tea, which also significantly contributes to the beverage’s orange color.
The tea used is usually robust; it is frequently imported from places like Assam or Ceylon. These leaves include antioxidants and tannins, which are organic pigments that give the tea its deep, rich color.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
In Thai tea, sweetened condensed milk plays a significant role in both the consistency of the cream and smoothness as well as the orange color.
The tea’s basic color is lightened by the milk’s inherent smoothness, bringing out the undertones of orange more vividly.
Spices
Thai tea is infused with so many spices, such as star anise, cardamom, turmeric, and tamarind.
The color profile of the beverage may also be impacted by these spices as turmeric gives off bright orange color and stains everything it gets in touch with while tamarind has a brown tone which deepens the color of our beverage.
Brewing Techniques
The brewing technique employed while preparing Thai tea also influences its color. Steeping the black tea leaves for an optimal duration allows the pigments to infuse into the liquid, resulting in a deeper and more pronounced orange color.
It is advised to be careful and attention must be paid to avoid over-steeping, which can lead to bitterness and a darker hue.
Optional Food Colorings
While traditional Thai tea recipes do not require food coloring, some commercially available Thai tea mixes or instant tea products may include artificial colorings to intensify the orange shade.
These additives ensure consistency in color across batches and provide a more visually appealing presentation. But, it is important to note that homemade Thai tea can achieve a vibrant orange color naturally without the need for artificial enhancements.
Is Thai Tea Always Orange?
Although the bright orange color of Thai tea is often associated with it, Thai tea may not always be orange. As already discussed that the color depends on a number of factors including ingredients and preparation methods.
The artificial colorings can affect the final color of Thai tea while some variations of Thai tea may appear lighter or darker shades of orange, and others may even exhibit a reddish-brown or amber color.
These variations may include additional ingredients or alterations to the traditional recipe, leading to different colors. For example, Thai green tea or Thai milk tea may deviate from the typical orange hue and showcase a green or creamy white color, respectively.
Ultimately, the key lies in the combination of ingredients, the brewing process, and the individual touch of those preparing or serving Thai tea.
What Is The Color Of Thai Tea With Boba?
The Boba pearls themselves are usually black or dark brown, creating a visual contrast against the bright orange background.
When Thai tea is served with a Boba, the appearance of the beverage can vary. Depending on the concentration of Thai tea, the amount of sweetened condensed milk, and the specific preparation method employed by the establishment or individual making the drink.
Some Thai tea with Boba may have a lighter shade of orange, while others may be more intense and vibrant. It’s important to note that the color of the Boba pearls themselves does not affect the overall color of Thai tea.
The Boba pearls typically remain dark in color, and their appearance stands out against the orange backdrop of the tea.
Do All Thai Teas Have Food Colorings?
Not all Thai tea contains food coloring. You may be wondering which variations of Thai tea contain food coloring and which ones do not.
So, here’s a graphical representation of information to provide you with some answers.
| Thai Tea and Food Coloring | Presence of Food Coloring |
|---|---|
| Traditional Thai Tea | No |
| Commercial Thai Tea Mixes | Yes |
| Homemade Thai Tea | Optional |
If you prefer to avoid food coloring, you can make Thai tea from scratch using natural ingredients and adjust the quantity of tea leaves, sweetened condensed milk, and spices to achieve the desired flavor and color.
If you want to know some authentic Thai Tea recipes check out this video.
Conclusion
- Traditional Thai tea does not typically contain food coloring additives and achieves its orange color naturally through the combination of black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and spices.
- Some commercially available Thai tea mixes may include food coloring additives to enhance the intensity and consistency of the orange color.
- When making Thai tea from scratch at home, individuals have the flexibility to control the use of food coloring and can opt for natural ingredients instead.
- The presence of food coloring in Thai tea varies depending on the source and preparation method, with traditional recipes being less likely to include artificial additives.
- Those with specific dietary concerns or preferences regarding food coloring can opt for homemade Thai tea or carefully select commercial products that align with their preferences.
- Understanding the ingredients and potential use of food coloring in Thai tea can help individuals make informed choices when purchasing or preparing the beverage.
- Thai tea enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy the authentic taste and appearance of the beverage while having control over the presence or absence of food coloring.