Hello Tea Lovers!
It’s that time of the season when we make a cocoon of ourselves and tuck away for the rest of the day!
As winter's embrace tightens, we instinctively retreat to our cozy havens, finding solace in the warmth and familiarity of our surroundings, and what better way to do that than the simple act of brewing our favourite tea?
For this month's tea review, I’ve chosen a brew that embodies the very essence of winter enchantment - the Kashmiri Kahwa.
I had heard about the Kashmiri Kahwa Tea blend from various sources, but I always waited for the right opportunity to try it, perhaps for the perfect weather or a trustworthy brand. After immersing myself in KingCha's array of tea offerings throughout the year, I simply couldn't resist the allure of indulging in their Kashmiri Kahwa tea blend this season.
Kashmiri Kahwa: A Timeless Tradition
Nestled in the northernmost reaches of India, the Kashmir Valley is a place of incomparable beauty and rich heritage. Kashmiri Kahwa, much like the valley it hails from, is a time-honoured treasure. It's a tea blend that has been passed down through generations lovingly preserved by its warm-hearted people.
Kashmiri Kahwa is a blend that captures the essence of Kashmir through its ingredients. At its heart, you'll find green tea, providing a delicate grassy base. But what truly sets this blend apart are the following key ingredients:
- Saffron: Known as the "red gold" of Kashmir, saffron adds a luxurious touch to Kashmiri Kahwa
- Cardamom: The prized spice of India that is the perfect component of all types of tea blends.
- Cinnamon: A warm, sweet spice with a unique flavour that is used in a variety of cuisines around the world
- Nuts: To complete the picture, usually almonds are added to Kashmiri Kahwa, providing a subtle nutty flavour.
Each of these ingredients is brought together to produce an exquisite blend of tea that brings the mystique of the Kashmir Valley to your cup.
KingCha’s Kashmiri Kahwa: Brewing the Perfect Cup
As I unleashed the sample of KingCha’s Kashmiri Kahwa, the tantalizing aroma that escaped the bag was a promising start. I measured out the fragrant tea leaves on my palm and added a full teaspoon to the bubbling water.
The vibrant, golden hue began to envelop the translucent water. The saffron danced, the cardamom and cinnamon embraced, and a fresh spicy fragrance wafted in the room. The warm, inviting scent made me quite eager to sit down and savour the cup of tea.
As I took the first sip, I took my time to decipher its unique taste. The delicate astringency of the green tea balanced by the sweet and spicy notes of cardamom, clove, and cinnamon created a magical flavour that warmed my heart. I could also taste a subtle hint of almonds and pistachios which brought a creamy, satisfying richness in the cup.
In one cup of KingCha's Kashmiri Kahwa, I encountered a melange of flavours that I hadn't experienced before, and it was nothing short of delicious, leaving me eager for more.
The Perfect Winter Elixir
Every sip of Kashmiri Kahwa is like a hug from your favourite sweater – cozy and comforting. The saffron imparts a subtly sweet, honey-like flavour that beautifully complements the slightly astringent notes of green tea. The cinnamon and cardamom add a touch of spice that warms your throat and invigorates your senses, like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.
Beyond its delightful taste and aroma, Kashmiri Kahwa offers a myriad of health benefits that make it a perfect choice for the winter season.
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can boost your immune system and help you stay healthy during the cold months.
- Saffron is known for its mood-lifting properties, which can be a much-needed pick-me-up during the shorter days of winter.
- The spices in this blend have long been cherished in traditional medicine for their warming and digestive properties.
- The nuts be it cashew, almond or pistachio add a powerful punch and add the goodness of healthy fat.
The History of Kashmiri Kahwa
My favourite hobby besides relishing different tea blends is delving into the rich tapestry of each blend's origin and understanding its prevalence.
The exact historical origins of Kashmiri Kahwa are somewhat shrouded in the mists of time, but it's believed to have been introduced to Kashmir via the Silk Road sometime in the first or second century AD. The word "kahwa" is Arabic in origin, and the drink is thought to have been brought to Kashmir by Persian traders.
Kahwa quickly became popular in Kashmir, and it is now one of the most iconic beverages in the region. It is traditionally served in small, intricate cups called "kashur chuks," and is often accompanied by nuts, dried fruits, and other sweets. More than a drink, it is a true symbol of Kashmiri hospitality.
Today, this tea has gained popularity far beyond the Kashmir valley and is enjoyed by tea enthusiasts all over the world. The rich taste of the Kashmiri Kahwa is nothing short of magic. It’s a concoction that is bound to whisk you away to the majestic mountains of Kashmir, where the air is crisp, and the world is blanketed in snow.
Conclusion
To say that I am impressed by KingCha’s mesmerizing Kashmiri Kahwa tea blend would be an understatement. It is the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. I am particularly impressed with the complex depth of flavour in this tea, and I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary.
My review- 5/5 stars
As the winter season unfolds, I can't help but imagine how this enchanting KingCha's Kashmiri Kahwa will become an integral part of my daily ritual.
- Himanshi
The author of this review is a passionate tea connoisseur who is on a journey to learn and savour the diverse flavours of tea. She likes to explore everything related to tea. From the aromatic wonders that tantalize our senses to the soothing moments it bestows upon us all, join her in unravelling the world of tea.
King Cha is thankful to Ms. Himanshi, an avid reader and book reviewer for joining our King Cha FraterniTEA to explore the vast world of tea and accord us with her knowledge and experiences.
