The pink color in some types of chai, specifically Noon Chai (also known as Kashmiri Chai or Pink Tea), is due to a chemical reaction involving baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) added to green tea leaves during the brewing process.
The Science Behind the Pink Hue
Here's a breakdown of why Noon Chai turns pink:
- Green Tea Base: Noon Chai starts with green tea leaves.
- Baking Soda's Role: A pinch of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is added to the tea while it simmers.
- Oxidation and Reaction: The baking soda, along with the oxidation of the tea leaves, alters the tea's color. The tea initially turns a reddish-brown color.
- Milk's Influence: The addition of milk then reacts with the altered tea solution, causing it to turn a characteristic pink color.
In summary, the combination of baking soda, the oxidation process of the green tea, and the addition of milk results in the unique pink color of Noon Chai.