King Lake Farms Ginseng Chai Tea

Chai tea is a topic of conversation that came up on our first date. Remi had travelled to India as part of a trade mission when he served as Chairman for the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association and I had travelled there when I worked as a flight attendant.

Together Remi and I reminisced about the “Chaiwallas,” vendors who sold the creamy,

fragrant tea out of enormous simmering kettles and the wonders of India.

Fast-forward five years later when, tired from the demands of parenthood, Remi suggested we make an afternoon chai tea. I sifted through our spice cupboard handing him our cardamom, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and paused when I came to the King Lake Farms powdered ginseng.

“Shall I add some ginseng?” I asked.

Remi agreed and together we worked to create the perfect King Lake Farms ginseng chai tea. Having a young family means we don’t travel as often as we both used to, but we can still bring our international experience and memories to our life together on the farm.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 mugs full of water

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

½ tsp ground King Lake Farms ginseng

1 tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp group cardamom

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp allspice

¼ tsp ginger

1/8 tsp ground clove

2 tea bags of black tea (caffeinated or decaffeinated)

A good glug of milk -- we like 3.25% but we’ve used coconut milk and oat milk for our

gluten-free, lactose-free friends and it works just as well.

1-3 tsp of maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like your tea

A pinch of Himalayan pink salt

Instructions:

1. Heat water, vanilla extract and spices in a saucepan low-medium heat, stirring gently.

2. Once steaming, remove from heat.

3. Steep two tea bags for five minutes.

4. Remove tea bags and bring to a simmer over low-medium heat.

5. Add in milk until a beautiful light caramel colour is achieved, sweeten with maple syrup to taste and a pinch of salt.

Enjoy this creamy, aromatic tea with loved ones knowing that the ginseng is giving your immune system a big boost from the inside.