Butterfly pea flower tea (Clitoria ternatea)

Butterfly pea flower tea

Ingredients: 100% Clitoria ternatea flowers.

Colour: Blue (when no extra ingredients are added).

Caffeine: 0%

Curiosities:

Scientifically called “Clitoria ternatea”, the Clitoria is a plant in the Fabaceae family. Produced for centuries, Blue Tea has recently been introduced to the tea consumer market outside the indigenous area. Derived from a plant common to most Southeast Asian countries, this tea gains its distinctive hue of deep bluish colour through the petals of the Clitoria. Therefore, it can be seen that its petals are responsible for the colour of the tea.

One of its strengths is the fact that this tea changes its colour according to the pH of the added ingredients. As is the case with lemon juice or rinds which, when added to Clitoria petals, will make this tea present a lilac colour (close to the colour of lavender) and not bluish, as usual. Another chromatic experience that you can try for a warm atmosphere is the addition of hibiscus petals. You can see the colour change from blue to bright fuchsia.

Regarding its benefits, blue tea can contribute to weight loss and body swelling. As it is an excellent natural antioxidant formula, blue tea can be a great drink to include in a detox diet, especially during the summer. It can also promote the prevention and protection of the skin against the action of free radicals. Blue tea can help eliminate these harmful substances. This tea is known to contribute to mental relief and improve the appearance of hair. It is ideal for people who suffer from anxiety or depressive states.

In India, it is revered as a sacred flower, used in daily puja rituals. The flowers of this vine were imagined in the form of the female genital organ, hence the Latin name of the genus “Clitoria”, from “clitoris”. It is claimed that it is due to the earthy flavour of the blue tea that the mood-enhancing effect arises. It is also known for its action in renewing brain activity, increasing energy levels and body immunity. It also strongly influences positivity and increases productivity.

Water temperature: 80º to 90º

Infusion time: 5 minutes.

Recommended quantity: 2 cups a day, after or during meals.

Preparation: place 1 tablespoon of Clitoria flowers in a container with 250ml of boiled water. Then cover it and let it rest for 5 minutes. Strain it, and you can consume it immediately, cold or hot. As a suggestion, you can add ginger, honey, or lemongrass.

Store in a dry (max. 20º) and cool (max. 60% humidity) place.

NOTE: The image shown is just a suggestion for presentation, and the type of cut and dimensions of the plant may vary in supply or time of year, keeping all the quality, features, and properties of the tea unchanged.