On September 21, the aroma filling the room comes from ancient spices, perfectly steeped into a cup of delicious tea. National Chai Day celebrates the strong, satisfying tea that’s ordered at cafes across the country.

Most chai teas are made from oxidised and fermented black tea leaves and combined with spices including cardamon, fresh ginger, black pepper, ground cloves or whole cloves, cinnamon and fennel. Chai recipes call for both black and green cardamom pods depending on the region.

Additionally, some chai tea blends contain black peppercorns, nutmeg, coriander seed, fennel seeds, allspice, and star anise. These chai spices contain powerful botanical elements including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and antibacterial microorganisms that lend chai tea its extraordinary health benefits.

It is Macro Day, so let us get in close and take some photos of the ingredient that you would love to include in your cuppa.