How To Make Yourself a Healthy Blue Tea- Hot, Cold/iced, and Latte

Blue Tea is prepared from Butterfly Pea flowers.

Butterfly Pea Flowers.( Image by jcomp on Freepik)Im

HImage by jcomp on Freepiage by jcomp on Freepik

Surprising health benefits from blue tea,..

The blue colour is due to anthocyanins- which are antioxidant pigments. The health benefits of the blue tea comes from these anthocyanins, which include protection from heart diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Blue tea is prepared as a herbal infusion by steeping the butterfly pea flowers in hot water. It can be used as a refreshing caffeine free drink.

The anthocyanin pigments in the blue tea are known to protect heart by lowering blood pressure and cholestrol levels. They are also known to help in managing blood sugar levels. The health benefits of these anthocyanins also extends to improved memory, and better resistance to fungal and microbial diseases. The antioxidant content in the Butterfly Pea Flower is known to promote weight loss, improve skin and hair health. Compared to artificial blue colours , these offer a natural blue edible colour option with all the health benefits.

Blue Tea. (Image by jcomp on Freepik)

To Make Yourself One Cup of Blue Tea

For 1 cup (240ml)

• Take 3-5 fresh butterfly pea flowers/ 1 tsp dried butterfly pea flowers

  Note- Dried flowers can be used as is. But, when using fresh flowers, be sure to thoroughly rinse the flowers 2 or 3 times, to remove any dirt, and also remove all the greens attached to them ( stalks and stems).

• Heat 1 cup water in a pot. Switch off the heat just before it starts to boil.

• Add flowers to the hot water. Close the pot with a lid. And allow the flowers to steep in the water for 3- 5 minutes. The water will get a rich blue colour . Here, it's also important to note that we don't directly boil the water with these flowers- it gives a chalky and a bitter taste that you may not like., besides losing the nutrient value.

• Now strain the butterfly pea flower infusion into a cup, separating the flowers from the water.

• You can refrigerate this blue infusion for upto 10 days, and serve cold or hot by diluting with cold or hot water as needed. You can also add in crushed ice/ ice cubes for your cold iced blue tea. Or, if you like it hot, go for the hot cup of blue tea and relax!

  
  

  

  Iced Blue Tea.(Image by jcomp on Freepik)

  
  

• Add sugar or honey for sweetness

• And, for an extra tangy flavour - add juice from half a lemon, or just as you need. And, watch the magic unfold. When you add lemon juice, the indigo blue colour of the water turns into a vibrant purple. The acid in the lemon juice causes the change in pH / acidity levels and brings about the colour change.

• For preparing 1 litre concentrate- use 1 cup fresh or dried flowers with 1 litre water. Refrigerate for use upto 10 days. And use as and when required.

• You can also choose to add and experiment flavourings with infusions of mint, basil or lavender

Consuming blue tea in moderation does not have any potential side effects. But, rather you give yourself a healthy boost for the day.

To Make yourself a Blue Tea Latte

Butterfly Pea Tea Latte is what you will commonly hear as the 'blue' matcha or 'blue' latte

To prepare yourself 1 cup of Blue Latte

• Use powdered form of butterfly pea flower tea- for better strength and the darker blue colour when used in combination with milk. Or , you may have to use a stronger concentration , when you are brewing yourself a fresh cup with the flowers.

• Take 1 teaspoon of blue tea powder, and 1 tablespoon of hot water in a mug. Whisk until smooth.

• Add sugar, or a tablespoon condensed milk or any other sweetner, and flavourings.( Hint- Almond extract flavouring goes well with blue latte, so does vanilla). Other flavouring suggestions- coconut, lavender,..which flavour do you prefer?

• Heat milk over a stove and froth with a handheld milk frother. Or, you can use an espresso machine to heat and froth the milk.

• Pour over the butterfly pea tea into the milk- and relax while watching the blue and white swirl in your mug

• For the iced version of latte- use fresh cold frothed milk, and cooled butterfly pea tea with ice cubes.

• Enjoy your latte - hot or cold.

Make yourself a mesmerising cup of 'blue' latte!

Blue Tea- Looks delicious, and healthy too!

Share your experience in making butterfly pea tea. Whether you enjoyed it hot, cold or latte? And, which flavourings did you use?