Čaj chai

I was worried loose leaf would be a hassle, but these whole spices make it worth the extra minute of steeping. The cinnamon chips and orange peel give it a warm, slightly citrusy depth that bagged chai never had. Two cups in and I'm already ordering more.

The cardamom pods and anise come through way more than I expected from a bagged chai, and the cinnamon chips leave a nice warmth without turning bitter. I've been steeping it five minutes with a splash of oat milk every afternoon this week.

Steeped a pot this morning and the orange peel really comes through, bright and citrusy against the deeper clove and cinnamon warmth. The whole spices are clearly fresh, not dusty, which makes a huge difference in how the flavor develops. I've already reordered because it's become my cozy afternoon