Benefits of Using Kulhad as an Alternative to Steel Cups for Chai
Nikita Kanyal | Nov 04, 2024, 15:15 IST
Using kulhads—traditional clay cups—for chai offers a unique blend of environmental, cultural, and sensory benefits over steel cups. Made from biodegradable clay, kulhads are eco-friendly and support local artisans. They infuse chai with a distinctive earthy flavor, free from metallic or chemical tastes. Kulhads provide a natural cooling effect, making them safe for hot drinks, and reduce waste through easy disposal. Choosing kulhads over modern alternatives embodies sustainability, promotes cultural heritage, and enriches the chai-drinking experience.
In India, chai (tea) is not merely a drink, it represents a cultural tradition. From street vendors to intimate households, chai is the preferred choice of beverage, providing warmth and solace to millions every day. Traditionally served in various containers such as steel, glass, and plastic cups, one traditional option that is becoming increasingly popular for its distinctive advantages is the kulhad—a clay cup. Kulhads, commonly crafted by local artisans, enhance the chai experience with their rustic appeal. In addition to their visual charm, they offer various environmental, health, and sensory advantages that make them an attractive alternative to steel cups.
Kulhads are crafted from clay, a natural substance that breaks down easily when thrown away, unlike plastic or other non-biodegradable materials that add to pollution. Even though steel can be reused, its mining and production have significant environmental costs. In contrast, kulhads are formed by hand or with basic tools and then fired in a kiln, which makes them an eco-friendly and low-impact option. Utilizing kulhads contributes to waste reduction, as they can decompose back into the earth without harming the environment. This biodegradable characteristic makes them especially favored at large gatherings, street vendors, and events where the disposal of single-use cups can lead to substantial waste.
Made from clay, kurhad is a compostable material that breaks down easily upon disposal, unlike plastics and other permanent materials that stay in the environment and contribute to pollution. Iron can be recycled, but its mining and manufacturing processes have a significant negative impact on the environment. Kulhad, on the other hand, is made by hand or with simple tools and fired in a kiln, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Choosing kulhad reduces waste because it can be composted without harming the environment. Because they are biodegradable, they are preferred at large events, markets, and gatherings where disposable cups may increase waste.
One of the most important benefits of using kulhad for chai is the unique flavor it adds. When chai is poured into a warm kulhad, a subtle earthy aroma of clay permeates the tea, creating a unique flavor that cannot be reproduced in a steel or plastic cup. The kulhad absorbs some of the tea leaves, releasing an earthy aroma and flavor that further enhances the taste of the chai.
This “mitti ka taste” (earthy flavor) is sought after by chai lovers and provides an authentic experience connected to traditional Indian culture. For many, drinking chai in Kulhad is a nostalgic trip that reminds them of their childhood and simpler times.
Health Benefits of Drinking from
Clay is awesome because it makes tea taste better when you drink it from a kulhad. The hot clay kulhad smells and tastes a bit like the earth, adding a special flavor that you just can't get from a regular steel or plastic cup. The clay cup even catches some tea leaves, giving off a natural smell and taste that makes the tea taste even better. People who love chai really want that "mitti ka" earthy taste that connects them to old Indian traditions.
Drinking chai from a kulhad can bring back good memories, reminding you of your younger days and simpler times, while also being good for you. Chai helps balance out acidity, making it a nice choice for people who don't like drinks that are too strong or acidic. Besides, clay doesn't make anything as bad as some plastics when heated. Steel is usually okay, but can change the taste of the tea if you are not careful; Kulhads are a cold way to drink tea in its purest form, with no weird metallic or chemical taste. Also, because clay is porous, the tea cools slowly, making it safe and ready to drink.
Kulhads have natural insulation properties that make them ideal for holding hot beverages like chai. The porous structure of clay allows heat to disperse quickly, which means you’re less likely to burn your fingers while holding the cup. Unlike steel, which can become very hot and retain that heat for a long time, kulhads quickly adjust to a temperature that’s comfortable to hold, creating a safer and more pleasant drinking experience.
The gradual cooling of the tea in a kulhad also allows you to enjoy each sip without having to wait too long for it to reach a drinkable temperature. This natural cooling effect enhances the drinking experience, allowing you to savor each sip of chai without the discomfort of excessive heat.
Opting for a kulhad instead of a steel or plastic cup is a simple yet significant step towards adopting a more sustainable lifestyle in our everyday activities. As awareness of environmental protection continues to grow, many individuals are selecting alternatives that are more eco-friendly. Kulhads exemplify sustainable living, as they are crafted from renewable materials, have minimal environmental impact, and contribute to the global initiative to reduce plastic and metal waste.
By consciously opting for kulhads, people are making a statement about their commitment to environmental responsibility, paving the way for more traditional, sustainable alternatives to everyday items.
Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable
One-time use and can be thrown away without harming the environment
Kulhads are crafted from clay, a natural substance that breaks down easily when thrown away, unlike plastic or other non-biodegradable materials that add to pollution. Even though steel can be reused, its mining and production have significant environmental costs. In contrast, kulhads are formed by hand or with basic tools and then fired in a kiln, which makes them an eco-friendly and low-impact option. Utilizing kulhads contributes to waste reduction, as they can decompose back into the earth without harming the environment. This biodegradable characteristic makes them especially favored at large gatherings, street vendors, and events where the disposal of single-use cups can lead to substantial waste.
Supporting Local Artisans and Economies
Promotes sustainable livelihoods.
Made from clay, kurhad is a compostable material that breaks down easily upon disposal, unlike plastics and other permanent materials that stay in the environment and contribute to pollution. Iron can be recycled, but its mining and manufacturing processes have a significant negative impact on the environment. Kulhad, on the other hand, is made by hand or with simple tools and fired in a kiln, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Choosing kulhad reduces waste because it can be composted without harming the environment. Because they are biodegradable, they are preferred at large events, markets, and gatherings where disposable cups may increase waste.
Adds a Unique Earthy Flavour
Better Flavour
One of the most important benefits of using kulhad for chai is the unique flavor it adds. When chai is poured into a warm kulhad, a subtle earthy aroma of clay permeates the tea, creating a unique flavor that cannot be reproduced in a steel or plastic cup. The kulhad absorbs some of the tea leaves, releasing an earthy aroma and flavor that further enhances the taste of the chai.
This “mitti ka taste” (earthy flavor) is sought after by chai lovers and provides an authentic experience connected to traditional Indian culture. For many, drinking chai in Kulhad is a nostalgic trip that reminds them of their childhood and simpler times.
Health Benefits of Drinking from Natural Clay
Healthy benefits
Clay is awesome because it makes tea taste better when you drink it from a kulhad. The hot clay kulhad smells and tastes a bit like the earth, adding a special flavor that you just can't get from a regular steel or plastic cup. The clay cup even catches some tea leaves, giving off a natural smell and taste that makes the tea taste even better. People who love chai really want that "mitti ka" earthy taste that connects them to old Indian traditions.
Drinking chai from a kulhad can bring back good memories, reminding you of your younger days and simpler times, while also being good for you. Chai helps balance out acidity, making it a nice choice for people who don't like drinks that are too strong or acidic. Besides, clay doesn't make anything as bad as some plastics when heated. Steel is usually okay, but can change the taste of the tea if you are not careful; Kulhads are a cold way to drink tea in its purest form, with no weird metallic or chemical taste. Also, because clay is porous, the tea cools slowly, making it safe and ready to drink.
Naturally Cooling and Ideal for Hot Beverages
Naturally cooling
Kulhads have natural insulation properties that make them ideal for holding hot beverages like chai. The porous structure of clay allows heat to disperse quickly, which means you’re less likely to burn your fingers while holding the cup. Unlike steel, which can become very hot and retain that heat for a long time, kulhads quickly adjust to a temperature that’s comfortable to hold, creating a safer and more pleasant drinking experience.
The gradual cooling of the tea in a kulhad also allows you to enjoy each sip without having to wait too long for it to reach a drinkable temperature. This natural cooling effect enhances the drinking experience, allowing you to savor each sip of chai without the discomfort of excessive heat.
Symbol of Sustainability and Responsible Consumption
Opting for a kulhad instead of a steel or plastic cup is a simple yet significant step towards adopting a more sustainable lifestyle in our everyday activities. As awareness of environmental protection continues to grow, many individuals are selecting alternatives that are more eco-friendly. Kulhads exemplify sustainable living, as they are crafted from renewable materials, have minimal environmental impact, and contribute to the global initiative to reduce plastic and metal waste.
By consciously opting for kulhads, people are making a statement about their commitment to environmental responsibility, paving the way for more traditional, sustainable alternatives to everyday items.