[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ header_text_color=”#0a1766″ header_font_size=”42px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Why Not Try a Chai?<\/h1>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_text_color=”#279b45″ text_line_height=”1em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
By Carina Cordero Brossy<\/p>\n
Matthews, NC, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Imagine this scene: the streets are jammed with colorful food stalls, vendors calling out their tasty treats, and warm, fragrant smells of sizzling spices. Though it\u2019s early morning in Kolkata, India<\/strong>, the air temperature is already sweltering. Among the meandering masses, one stall has attracted a gathering.<\/p>\n Taste and Toss<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As I approach, I notice the vendor ladling out a silky, steaming brown liquid into small, raw clay cups. Customers buy their tea, sip the vessel dry, and then finish by tossing it unceremoniously to the ground where it shatters. Only after witnessing this process did I notice a growing collection of dusty shards of red clay alongside the tea stall and street.<\/p>\n The Chaiwala<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Chaiwalas, or tea sellers, dot every street corner in every part of India. Their tea may be prepared and served from a fixed kiosk, a rolling food cart, or a makeshift tent. Sometimes a single person may even roam the streets carrying a giant, hot teakettle and a bucket of clay cups. No matter how they present their tea, chaiwalas\u00a0are truly iconic of Indian culinary culture. Introduced during 19th-century British rule, tea is India\u2019s most popular drink \u2014 the country consumes 837,000 tons of it every year! India is also the world\u2019s second largest producer of tea, with 70 percent consumed within its borders.<\/p>\n Ingredients<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This traditional Indian beverage\u00a0blends black tea with\u00a0steaming milk and warm South Asian spices such as:<\/p>\n The particular blend of spices varies from region to region. Vendors typically create their own distinct blend to prepare for thirsty customers. Families might also make their unique recipe at home or at work and consume multiple cups (paper or clay) throughout the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Chai-background.png” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Heat water and milk together. Before mixture reaches a boil, add ginger and spices. Once boiling, add loose tea leaves. Turn off heat and steep for two minutes. Pour into a cup through a sieve to remove tea leaves and spices. Add sugar to taste. Enjoy!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Treasured Treat<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n As I watched the remains of discarded clay cups accumulate next to the chaiwala\u2019s stall, I approached the rubble determined to find an intact cup to keep as a memento of this delectably creamy, spiced tea. After casually poking around the shards (so as not to draw attention to myself), I found three intact cups! I carefully placed each dry, brittle vessel into my backpack. Next came my journey home, traveling well over 7,000 miles with three airport layovers and endless hours of in-flight movies.<\/p>\n Ultimately Recyclable<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Upon arriving at my destination, I was eager to check the status of my precious clay treasures. The first one I unwrapped was thoroughly crushed into dust. At that moment I realized the wisdom of customers tossing them to the ground. Because the clay is raw, the cups easily pulverize. With a good sweep and some rain, the remnants return back to the earth.\u00a0The ultimate in recycling!<\/p>\n Can you spot the clay shards from smashed chai cups in this photo?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As I unpacked my second cup, I discovered it had split into three unfortunate fragments. Another loss. However, to my relief, the last one made the trip perfectly intact.<\/p>\n I mounted my small clay prize on a shelf in my house and paid homage to its incredible journey by making my own version of authentic Indian chai. You can try your own recipe, but for the best brew, you must visit the chaiwalas. Sip straight from the clay cup, and don\u2019t forget to toss it on the ground when you\u2019re done!<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/tea-2512434_640.jpg” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”tea-2512434_640″ align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/16303654962_38224591fd_c.jpg” alt=”Stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”16303654962_38224591fd_c” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Learning Activity:<\/p>\n Sample Problems:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Extension Questions” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Over the years, cafes and restaurants all over North America have added chai and chai lattes to their permanent drink menus. Although still a popular purchase, many chai enthusiasts complain that companies like Starbucks sell a \u201cfast food\u201d version of chai. These beverages have very little in common with the true Indian taste.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n\n
TO MAKE ONE 8-OZ CUP OF CHAI<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/8405114_aef3af4c53_z-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n