Butterfly Pea also known as Blue Flower, is very popularly known as Shankhpushpi in Indian Ayurveda. It is known to have positive effects on the brain and nervous system. Butterfly Pea is used for making blue tea. It is a caffeine-free herbal tea. It has gained popularity in recent years because of its color-changing properties.
Origins of Blue Tea
Blue tea originated in South-East Asia. It is very commonly used in Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, and Malaysia. The blue pea has been used for ages for dyeing, cooking, and making cosmetics. Today, this plant grows all over the world in places like India, Australia, Costa Rica, etc.
How does Blue Tea Change its Color?
Blue tea particularly changes colors because of the pH level. Blue tea originally has a blue-colored brew. Upon adding a little bit of lemon juice, the acidity will change the tea’s color from blue to purple. And hence it is popularly known as color-changing tea.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLUE TEA
Facilitates Digestion
Add this drink to your detox diet plan because it is rich in antioxidants. Drinking a cup of blue tea once or twice a week on an empty stomach may improve digestive health.
Stress-Buster
The earthy flavor of butterfly-pea flower tea can help enhance mood. It is said to have stress-busting effects that may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and hence improve productivity.
Accelerates Weight Loss
Blue tea is caffeine-free, has no carbs, no fats, and has 0% cholesterol.
Enhances Skin Health
The flavonoids present in blue tea help in enhancing and maintaining skin elasticity. Drinking 1 cup of blue pea tea every day can help eliminate undigested food particles from the system, which will result in brightening dull skin, removing dark spots, and uneven skin tone.
Stimulates Hair Growth
Blue pea flower contains anthocyanin – a compound that is well known for increasing blood circulation in the head and therefore helps in maintaining a healthy scalp.
How to Make Blue Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Dry Butterfly Pea Flowers / 2 Fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers
- 2 Cups of Water
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
Method:
- Boil water in a teapot/ tea kettle.
- If using fresh flowers, discard the green bottom of the Butterfly Pea Flowers and wash under running water. If using dried flowers you can use it as it is.
- Once the water boils, turn off the gas, add in the flowers and cover with a lid. Allow it to sit for 3 minutes without further boiling. Boiling the flowers will kill the flavor and can make it bitter.
- Strain the tea in a cup, add lemon juice, mix well and enjoy warm.
- You can add any sweetner like honey or brown cane sugar or totally skip adding.
Appearance and Taste Notes of Blue Tea
Appearance: Smooth and Clear liquor. Bright blue in color once brewed. After adding lemon juice, the color changes to bright purple.
Taste: Earthy and mildly sweet taste. Earthy means it tastes a little like soil.
When to have blue tea
Blue pea tea can be had at any time of the day, but tea experts recommend having it after a meal because it helps aid digestion. 2-3 cups of Blue Tea can be had in one day. Too much of anything is not advisory.
Where to Buy Blue Tea Online
Here are a few brands that I have personally had and liked –
If you try these teas, do send me a photo of it via Email or you can tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter at @miniaturefoodiee
To read more such recommendations, click here.
Can we drink it every day after meal or before sleeping
Drinking blue tea is generally safe in moderation. Enjoying it after a meal or before sleeping shouldn’t cause issues for most people, but it’s always a good idea to listen to your body; some may experience changes in sleep if consumed right before bed.