Why I Started Taking Blue Tea

Let me tell you a little story about how I stumbled upon some beautiful and intriguing flowers. I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and came across a picture of this cool-looking blue flower. Another thing that caught my attention with the flower – it resembled the female genetalia (I’m not gonna lie). I was like, "What the heck is that?" so I did some digging and found out that these flowers are known as Clitoria ternatea.

But that's not even the best part. What really intrigued me was the fact that blue tea is jam-packed with health benefits.

So, I decided to give it a go. I was not disappointed. The taste is unique and refreshing, unlike any other tea I've ever had. And the fact that it's blue just makes it all the more exciting. I've been drinking it regularly ever since and it has become one of my go-to beverages.

So, what is this Blue Tea?

Blue tea is this super cool tea that has a unique blue color. It's made by steeping the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant (which is also called butterfly pea or Asian pigeonwings) in hot water. This plant is found in Southeast Asia.

The tea's color can range from a light blue to a deep blue, depending on how long you steep the flowers. But the coolest part is that the color can change if you mix it with other things, like lemon juice. It can turn pink or purple, thanks to this thing called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are responsible for the blue color of the tea and they change color when mixed with acidic substances.

Aside from its gorgeous color, blue tea is also pretty healthy.

Health Benefits of the Blue Tea

Blue tea isn't just visually appealing - it's also got some seriously awesome health benefits!

First of all, blue tea is loaded with antioxidants:

These are elements that help protect your cells from damage caused by things like pollution, radiation, and normal metabolic processes. That means that drinking blue tea can help keep your body healthy and reduce your risk of getting sick.

Blue tea also has anti-inflammatory properties:

Inflammation is a natural response that happens in our bodies when we're injured or sick, but chronic inflammation can be really bad news. It's been linked to a whole bunch of diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's. Luckily, blue tea can help reduce inflammation and keep your body in tip-top shape.

Blue tea even helps improve your brain function:

Studies have found that the flavonoids in the Clitoria ternatea flower can help improve cognitive function and reduce stress levels. That means that drinking blue tea might help you feel more focused, calm, and ready to take on whatever the day throws your way.

Taste and Appearance?

Blue tea has a unique appearance and flavor that sets it apart from other types of tea.

Appearance-wise, blue tea has a striking blue color that is sure to catch your eye. The color can vary depending on how long the tea is steeped and whether it is mixed with other ingredients. It's definitely a conversation starter and makes for some great Instagram-worthy photos!

When it comes to taste, blue tea has a mild and slightly earthy flavor that some people compare to green tea. It has a subtle sweetness and a refreshing quality that makes it a perfect beverage for warm weather. The taste is not overpowering, making it a great option for those who prefer milder teas.

Compared to other types of tea, blue tea is quite different in terms of appearance and taste. For example, black tea is dark in color and has a strong, bold flavor. Green tea is light in color and has a grassy taste with a slight bitterness. White tea is delicate and has a subtle sweetness with a floral aroma. Blue tea stands out from the rest with its unique color and subtle, refreshing flavor.

How to Prepare it

Preparing blue tea is simple, and you can enjoy it hot or cold. Here are the steps to prepare a cup of blue tea:

1. Boil water in a pot or kettle. You'll need approximately one cup of water for every tea bag or teaspoon of loose blue tea leaves.

2. Place a blue tea bag or a teaspoon of loose blue tea leaves in a tea infuser or strainer.

3. Pour the hot water over the tea bag or infuser and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the tea to fully develop its flavor and aroma.

4. Remove the tea bag or infuser from the cup and discard it. You can add honey or lemon for additional flavor, if desired.

5. Enjoy your hot cup of blue tea!

If you prefer cold blue tea, you can follow the same steps but allow the tea to cool down before serving. You can also add ice cubes or fruit slices to make it more refreshing.

Any other considerations?

It's good to know that blue tea can interact with some medicines like blood thinners, antidepressants, and sedatives. If you're taking any of these meds, talk to a doctor first before drinking blue tea.

Also, some folks might have an allergic reaction to blue tea, particularly those who have pollen allergies. If you have a bad reaction to blue tea, don't drink it anymore.