Tea has been cherished as a popular beverage for centuries, with countless varieties and flavours enjoyed worldwide. Among the many intriguing tea concoctions, salt tea stands out as a unique and culturally significant beverage. Although introduced ages ago, this unique tea is traditionally a traditional Himalayan beverage that has withstood the test of time.
What Is Salt Tea?
Who wants to taste #Kashmiri #NunChai (Salt Tea) or Pink Tea?
Have a sip or drop-in #Ankara
Be a guest for special #NunChai pic.twitter.com/z2vN7l2OkK
— riyaz (@riyazulkhaliq) June 24, 2019
Salt tea dates back to the 7th century when the practice of adding butter and salt to tea was first developed in Tibet. The tea has been consumed for generations for combatting the harsh weather conditions of high-altitude mountainous areas. The beverage plays a central role in the daily lives of these mountainous communities.
The process of preparing this tea is quite unique and requires attention to detail. The drink traditionally consists of tea leaves, yak butter, and salt.
To prepare salt tea, the first step is to brew strong black tea using water and loose tea leaves. The tea is then strained to remove the leaves, and hot water is added to the remaining liquid. The resulting mixture is then churned or blended with yak butter and salt to create a frothy and nourishing drink. In regions where yak butter is scarce, cow’s butter or vegetable oils are often used as substitutes.
Also Read: Salt In Coffee? Yes, People Are Adding Salt Instead Of Sugar & Here’s Why
This Tea Holds Cultural Significance
In Himalayan cultures, salt tea holds immense cultural significance beyond being a mere beverage. It is an integral part of social gatherings, religious ceremonies, and hospitality rituals. Offering this tea to guests is a sign of respect and warmth, and it symbolises the strong sense of community that prevails in these regions.
Despite being an unconventional beverage, it offers various health benefits, making it a staple in the Himalayan diet:
- This beverage serves as a valuable source of energy and sustenance
- It acts as a natural heater, helping individuals stay warm and hydrated
- The yak butter or ghee in salt tea provides essential nutrients such as healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- The presence of salt and other spices in salt tea can aid in digestion, making it beneficial after heavy or high-fat meals.
- Tea leaves, especially green tea, are known for their antioxidant properties. When combined with the nutrients in butter, these antioxidants may help protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress.
So, have you sipped this tea yet?
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