Black Cochin Chai Matcha

Description

Since ancient times, the wharves and piers of Cochin, also known as Kochi, have rung with the voices of sailors, merchants and traders from all corners of the planet. Known colloquially as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin has served as a commercial spice-trading hub since at least the 14th century. Even farther back, this Indian port city was known by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese as a global spice center. (In fact, the name Cochin means "co-chin" or "like-China" in the local dialect.)

Thanks to all of this trade, the city also saw numerous waves of immigration from around the world. In fact, Cochin was the first Indian city to be settled by a European power, Portugal, in 1500. Due to the Portuguese, many (wealthy) inhabitants of old Europe had their first taste of Indian mixed spices. And what spices they were - hot ginger and cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves and more, all blended together in a warming blend now known as Cochin Masala.

Here at The Drifting Leaf, we're pleased to help write the next chapter of this exotic spice blend. Black Cochin Chai Matcha offers a pungent new dimension to traditional Cochin spices by grinding it all into rich powdered Matcha that's as smooth as it is packed with flavor. Enjoy this one brewed and whisked straight up, or with a dash of warmed milk for an added frothy layer. Namaste.

What makes matcha so special? Unlike traditional teas in which the leaves are brewed and discarded, Matcha is powdered and brewed whole. As such, the leaves themselves are actually consumed. In addition to producing incredible mouth feel and a thick, rich cup, this maximizes the antioxidant benefits of the tea, helping it rank amongst the World's most healthful beverages.

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Matcha

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 85ºC/185ºF. For Food Safety reasons bring water to 100ºC/212ºF and let it cool down to 85ºC/185ºF.

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.