A beloved beverage that has acquired popularity not only in Thailand but all over the world is Thai tea, sometimes referred to as Thai iced tea. Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations are big fans of Thai tea and drink it as an everyday drink alongside their meals or as a cooler.
Tea lovers will find its vivid orange hue, creamy texture, and distinctive flavor to be both reviving and decadent. But what are the ingredients used to make this tea, and why does it have such a taste?
Tea leaves, several spices like cardamom, star anise, cinnamon, and sweetened condensed milk are used to make it. The main component is tea leaves, and Thai tea can be made with different types of tea leaves, such as black tea, green tea, Assam tea, Ceylon tea, and jasmine tea. Each of them is different and comes from a different plant.
In this article, you’ll see which plants produce these different teas and where they’re located, along with an insight into the Thai tea mixture!
Historical Background of Thai Tea
Before getting on to the Thai tea mixture and in-depth detail about its ingredients, it’s important to know what is Thai tea and how did it come into existence.
Thai tea is a well-liked beverage in Thailand and all over the world. It’s sometimes referred to as “cha-yen” or Thai iced tea. Although the precise origins of Thai tea are unknown, Chinese tea culture is said to have had some effect.
Cha Yen’s intriguing past begins in the 1940s, just after World War II. The ancient way of making tea required steeping black tea leaves and mixing them with condensed milk and sugar. Chinese immigrants who established themselves in Thailand brought this method with them.
This is when Thai tea’s distinct origins can be found. Thai tea developed its distinctive flavor and presentation over time, becoming a mainstay of Thai cuisine and gaining popularity all over the world.
Ingredients Used in Thai Tea
You’ll need the following ingredients to prepare Thai tea:
- Thai Tea Leaves: Black tea leaves are the primary ingredient in Thai tea, which gives it its signature flavor and vibrant orange color. You can purchase Thai tea leaves from places like Asian supermarkets and online.
- Water: To brew the tea, of course, you’ll need water.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Condensed milk is commonly used to sweeten Thai tea, giving the beverage a rich, creamy flavor. Adapt the quantity to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Sugar: Though the sweetness of the condensed milk is already there, more sugar may be added if preferred.
- Ice: Since ice cubes are usually used to serve Thai tea, make sure you have plenty on hand.
Also, here are some optional ingredients:
- Evaporated Milk: A few Thai tea varieties also contain evaporated milk, which increases the creaminess. It can be used in place of or along with sweetened condensed milk.
- Star Anise or Cinnamon: You can add a tiny piece of star anise or a cinnamon stick to the tea as it’s brewing for flavor. This is up to personal preference and is optional.
Depending on individual preferences and the desired strength and sweetness of the Thai tea, the component ratios may change. You are welcome to change the amounts to suit your preferences.
Varieties of Tea Leaves
Tea leaves, several spices, and sweetened condensed milk are all combined to create it. Typically, a sort of black tea serves as the main component of Thai tea.
It’s made by blending together tea leaves, a number of spices, and sweetened condensed milk. The primary ingredient in Thai tea is often a kind of black tea.
Let’s have a look at some of the most common types of tea leaves used in Thai tea:
Black Tea
Black tea, which offers a powerful and robust flavor, is typically the foundation of Thai tea. Black tea can come in a variety of forms, but the most popular include Ceylon, Assam, and blends of several other black teas. Thai tea has a robust flavor and a deep color that are both influenced by black tea leaves.
Ceylon Tea
A popular option for Thai tea, Ceylon tea is a product of Sri Lanka. It works well with the spices and sweets used in Thai tea because of its smooth and slightly fruity flavor.
Assam Tea
Another popular option for Thai tea is Assam tea, which is predominantly grown in the Assam region of India. It has a strong, malty flavor that gives the beverage depth.
Green Tea
Some varieties of Thai tea may contain green tea leaves, although this is less frequent than black tea. Green tea has a milder, more vegetal flavor that, when blended with spices and sugars, can produce a distinctive flavor profile.
Jasmine Tea
To add a floral aroma and delicate flavor to several Thai tea recipes, jasmine tea leaves may be used. Green tea leaves are scented with jasmine blossoms to produce jasmine tea, which has a fragrant and slightly sweet flavor.
Which Plant Produces Thai Tea Leaves?
Thai tea, sometimes referred to as “Cha Yen” or “Thai iced tea,” is usually prepared using a combination of different black tea kinds.
The most widely used tea plant is Camellia Sinensis, which is also the source of many different black tea varieties, including Assam and Ceylon teas.
Tea farmers in Thailand usually produce their own unique black tea blends that are perfect for Thai tea. These blends can contain any combination of tea leaves from various origins, in any proportion.
Overview Of Tea Production In Different Regions
Here’s a table showing some of the more well-known tea varieties grown in Thailand and their corresponding regions:
| Tea Type | Region |
| Green Tea | Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai |
| Oolong Tea | Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai |
| Black Tea | Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, |
| White Tea | Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai |
| Herbal Tea | Various regions |
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai: Tea Cultivation Regions
Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung, and Mae Salong Nok are famous tea-growing regions in Chiang Rai. These regions profit from the cool weather, the mountainous topography, and the soil types that are ideal for growing tea.
Another province where tea is grown is in Chiang Mai. In locations like Mae Taeng, which is home to the renowned Araksa Tea Plantation, tea plantations can be found.
Additionally, herbal teas are widely available around the nation and frequently contain local plants and components.
It’s important to note that tea production can differ throughout locations and even within individual farms because the properties of the tea are influenced by things like height, climate, soil, and processing methods.
Visit tea plantations or specialty tea shops that offer a wide variety of Thai teas if you’re interested in learning more about the unique tea offerings of the many regions of Thailand.
It’s significant to note that Thailand’s tea industry is not confined to these areas. Tea is grown in various parts of the nation, albeit on a lower scale. These areas include Phetchabun, Lampang, and Nan.
The majority of Thailand’s tea plantations are located in the north due to the region’s favorable climate for the cultivation of tea.
Preferred Substitute for Black Tea: Green Tea
The same plant that produces black tea and oolong tea also yields green tea. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are used to make it. The procedures used to process the leaves after they are picked determine the many types of tea, such as green, black, or oolong.
In order to stop oxidation, green tea leaves are normally selected, lightly wilted, and then heated right away (either by steaming or pan-firing).
The unique green color and vibrant flavor of the tea leaves are maintained thanks to this minimal oxidation process.
It’s important to note that several Camellia sinensis cultivars and variations are grown exclusively for the manufacture of green tea. They’re all members of the same plant species, though.
Popular Brands of Thai Tea Mix
Thai tea mix is offered in a variety of well-known brands and flavors. However, some people choose to make their own Thai tea blend by blending black tea leaves with herbs and spices like:
- Cinnamon
- Star anise
- Crushed tamarind
This makes it possible to adjust the flavor and sweetness to suit individual tastes. But regarding brands of Thai tea mix, the following are some popular brands and variations:
Number One Brand Thai Tea
This well-liked Thai tea brand is renowned for its potent and enticing flavor. It’s commonly offered at many Asian grocery stores and has a recognizable, bright orange package.
ChaTraMue Thai Tea Mix
Another well-known Thai tea brand is ChaTraMue. Their Thai tea blend is renowned for its creamy, smooth flavor. It is a favorite among fans of Thai tea and can be consumed hot or cold.
Pantai Thai Tea Mix
This company sells a variety of Thai tea mixes, including the original, low-sugar, and extra-gold varieties. They are renowned for having a flavorful, genuine palate.
Aroy-D Thai Tea Mix
Aroy-D is a well-known Thai cuisine company that sells Thai tea blends as well. Their Thai tea blend is prepared with premium tea leaves and packaged in handy single packages for simple preparation.
These are merely a few illustrations of well-known brands and variants of Thai tea mix. Availability may differ depending on where you live. However, many of these brands may be bought online or in Asian grocery stores.
Conclusion
- Many people enjoy drinking Thai tea because of its unique taste, smooth texture, and vibrant orange color.
- Thai tea consists mostly of tea leaves, spices like cardamom and star anise, and sweetened condensed milk.
- Thai tea may be made from the leaves of any type of tea plant, including black, green, Assam, Ceylon, and jasmine teas.
- Thai tea is typically made with leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant.
- The proportion of one type of tea leaf to another can vary widely in Thai tea mixes.
- Black tea leaves and fragrant additives like cinnamon and star anise are the basis of the traditional Thai tea mix, which some people like to make at home.
- Aroy-D, Pantai, ChaTraMue, and Number One Brand are just a few of the most popular labels of Thai tea.
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