Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea L.) is a tropical plant native to Asia. It grows wild and is cultivated in India, China, Thailand, as well as in Madagascar and the Philippines. The Latin name "Clitoria" was given as a reference to the unusual shape of the plant's beautiful blue, purple or white flowers that resemble female genitalia. The best conditions for plant growth are in humid and sunny places. Ternatean Clitoria is an Asian treasure valued for its rich health properties.

 

  
Butterfly Pea Tea is often used in Ayurveda - medicine considered to be the oldest system of natural medicine in the world. Its blue color is caused by anthocyanins, which are very good for the eyes. The composition of tea also includes flavonoids (quercetin, delphinidin, myricetin, kaempferol) known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic effects. Blue tea is recommended as a relaxing, analgesic, antibacterial and anti-cancer agent. Its miraculous properties should also be appreciated by people struggling with depression and anxiety. The advantage of drinking blue tea regularly is that it improves the work of the brain, especially in the processes of learning, thinking and remembering. Clitoria has a positive effect on concentration and information retrieval. What's more, the infusion removes the symptoms of tiredness and fatigue - a cup of tea will put you on your feet! Butterfly Pea Tea is an invaluable support if you are struggling with poor eyesight, skin problems or circulation problems. Reach for blue tea if you want to reduce hair loss and accelerate its growth.

 

       

 

Due to its captivating color, Asians like to use the plant in their kitchen.In Thailand, you can order desserts based on blue rice. Butterfly Pea Tea is also often used in Malaysian and Burma cuisine. Nam Dok Anchan - the most popular Thai drink you can make from a blue infusion mixed with lemon and honey. Blue tea is also the basis for creating a blue latte. 

 

 

How does it taste? The infusion resembles green tea, its taste is pleasant and velvety with slightly noticeable herbal notes. You can drink it cold or warm, solo or with honey and lemon.

Infused in water with neutral pH will have a color varying from turquoise blue to navy blue (the variations in blue will depend on the quantity of flowers infused and the infusion time).
If you add a few drops of lemon, the pH will become more acidic and the color will tend towards pink or purple. To enjoy a pretty deep green, add a few saffron pistils to your basic infusion (blue), the infusion will then be more alkaline (pH above 7) and its color will tend towards green.