Bengal Club Chai Matcha Loose Leaf Tea

The Bengal Club Chai Matcha blend from English Tea Store is a smooth green tea enlivened with fresh Malabar spices with a peppery and saucy finish.

For the most part, the influence of British India has been greatly diminished in her former colony. Still, while even the names have changed, Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, and Calcutta to Kolkata, a taste of India's former colonial past can be found if one knows where to look. So it is with Kolkata's Bengal Club, a social and business club founded in 1827. First christened the Calcutta United Service Club by founding president, Lt. Col, the Hon J. Finch, the club has operated continuously into the modern era. To this day it counts among its members the business and social elite of Kolkata, many who have been with the club for generations.

So what does one do at the club? In addition to finding a moment's repose amongst the hustle and bustle of one of the World's busiest cities, one meets with associates to discuss the political climate of the day and shake hands on the latest business deal. One also partakes in a proper British tea service, served each evening in The Terrace room on fine bone china, a distinct holdover of India's colonial past. In fact, where tea is concerned, service at the Bengal Club is often referred to as being "more British than the British".

To celebrate the venerable "Bengal", as it is referred to by those in the know, our Master Taster created this stunning matcha by blending the classic flavors of Indian Chai, with a modern twist, Izu Matcha, to reflect the new, cosmopolitan face of India. From the first sip, this peppery, spicy cup transports you to an exotic world of flavor, tradition and history.

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.

Hot tea brewing method: Bring filtered or freshly drawn water to a rolling boil and let cool to roughly 180 F/82 C. Place approximately of a teaspoon of Matcha in your cup. Infuse with 8 ounces/250 milliliter of water, whisk briskly and enjoy.

Ceremonial Matcha: Please note that in order to brew Ceremonial Matcha you will need a set of Japanese tea ceremony tools. (Bowls, scoops, and a whisk).

• Prepare tea bowls by warming them with boiled water

• Prepare your Matcha whisk by soaking the tip in the boiled water in one of the bowls for about 10 seconds

• Pour the water out and dry the bowl with a paper towel

• Using your teaspoon, add 2 scoops of Matcha to each bowl

• Pour 1/3 of a cup of your hot water into each bowl

• In a slow - motion, submerge any loose bits of Matcha that may be floating on the surface of the tea

• Whisk the tea more briskly in a back and forth motion until the surface of the Matcha becomes frothy

• Consume immediately. (In Japan, it is customary to drink the entire bowl in 3 quick slurps)

Hot matcha latte brewing methods - fast method: Use 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) per 8 ounce (225 milliliter) serving. Add 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) to base of cup and add 2 ounces of hot water & mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. (Try maple syrup or honey)

Iced matcha latte brewing methods: Use 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) per 8 ounce (225 millliliter) serving. Add 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) to base of cup and add 2 ounces of hot water and mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. Cool for 30-60 minutes and pour over ice.

Slow brewed Iced Matcha: Place 3 level teaspoons of Matcha into a glass pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice and let sit. After a few hours, ice will have melted and tea brewed. Stir vigorously to ensure the Matcha goes into suspension. Pour over ice and enjoy.

Available in 3 sizes (Please select from the options above):

• First time trying English Tea Store's Bengal Club Chai Matcha Green Loose Leaf Tea? Try our Sample Size of 1 ounce.

• Contents loose leaf tea net weight 2 ounces
• Contents loose leaf tea net weight 8 ounces

Ingredients: Green tea, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cardamom, Black + White pepper, Clove, Nutmeg.

Caffeine content: Medium - This tea contains natural caffeine found in the L. Camellia Sinensis family. A cup of green tea steeped in boiled water for 5 minutes will contain between 22 to 29 milligrams of caffeine. An equal sized cup of coffee will contain between 80 - 100 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine quickly becomes soluble in very hot water. If you wish to reduce the caffeine level in this tea, briefly rinsing the tea leaves in extremely hot water will reduce the caffeine content between 25-50% with only a minor effect on taste.

Antioxidant Content: Very High - When consuming matcha you actually consume all the tea leaves. Scientific testing in Japan has indicated that on account of this fact the antioxidant benefit of matcha can be up to 5-9 greater then with normal green tea consumed in the conventional manner.