Blue Matcha: The exotic tea that captivates with its color and enchants with its benefits

Matcha Blue Tea , also known as Butterfly Pea Flower Tea , is an infusion that attracts a lot of attention for its beautiful vibrant blue color and its health benefits. The funny thing is that although it is called "Matcha", it does not come from green tea leaves like authentic Japanese Matcha.

Blue Matcha tea is made from the flowers of Clitoria ternatea , a plant native to Southeast Asia. The flowers of this plant have a deep blue natural pigment that is released when infused with hot water. In addition to its striking color, Blue Matcha tea has a mild, flowery flavor.

Do you want to know more about this original drink? Come, I'll tell you everything.

The origins of blue matcha

Blue Matcha tea has its roots in Southeast Asia, specifically in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It is made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, also known as the butterfly pea , which grows in tropical climates. These flowers contain anthocyanins, natural pigments responsible for that beautiful blue color.

For centuries, indigenous communities have used the flowers of Clitoria ternatea for medicinal and culinary purposes for generations. In addition to their attractive color, these flowers are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional medicine, they have been used to treat stress, improve circulation and leave skin looking amazing.

One of the fascinating features of Blue Matcha tea is its ability to change color . Adding acidic ingredients like lemon juice causes a chemical reaction that turns blue into purple or pink. Naturally, it results in such a cool effect that it is widely used in the hospitality industry to create eye-catching cocktails and drinks. From colorful gradients to layering colors on glasses, there are so many creative ways to enjoy it .

In addition to being an infusion to drink, this tea has been used in the kitchen to add color and flavor to various dishes and desserts. You can use it as a natural coloring in rice, cakes or ice cream, adding a different and striking touch to your recipes.

And it has numerous benefits for your health.

Although scientific research on these benefits is limited, we do know that Blue Matcha tea has several positive wellness properties. Let's focus on the most important:

Antioxidants

Blue Matcha tea contains anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant found in the flowers of Clitoria ternatea. Antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic disease.

anti-inflammatory

The bioactive compounds present in Clitoria ternatea flowers can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for overall health.

Brain Health Support

Some preliminary studies suggest that the antioxidants in Blue Matcha tea may have protective effects on the brain. It has been suggested that these compounds may help improve memory and cognitive function, as well as reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Improves skin health

The anthocyanins present in tea have been studied for their effects on the skin. These antioxidants are believed to help protect skin from free radical damage and promote a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Now that we know that, in addition to being original, it is good for your health, would you like us to prepare two easy recipes? Cheer up, they are luxurious.

2 recipes with blue matcha tea

Blue Matcha Latte

To prepare this delicious latte, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of powdered Blue Matcha tea
• 1 cup of milk (it can be cow's milk, vegetable milk or the one you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener to taste (optional)
• A pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Follow these instructions:

• Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot but not boiling.
• In a cup, mix the powdered Blue Matcha tea with a little hot water to form a smooth paste.
• Pour the hot milk into the cup with the Blue Matcha paste and mix well until completely blended.
• If you want to sweeten, add honey or any sweetener of your choice and stir again.
• Sprinkle some cinnamon on top for garnish, if desired.
• Ready to enjoy!

Shall we complicate it a bit more? Let's see what you think…

Blue Matcha Ice Cream

Prepare these ingredients first:

• 2 teaspoons of powdered Blue Matcha tea
• 2 cups of coconut milk (you can use cow's milk or non-dairy milk if you prefer)
• 1/4 cup of sugar or sweetener to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Follow these steps:

• In a bowl, mix the powdered Blue Matcha tea with a little coconut milk to form a smooth paste.
• In a saucepan, heat the rest of the coconut milk over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and mix until completely dissolved.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the Blue Matcha paste and vanilla extract (if you are using it). Stir until fully incorporated.
• Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to cool completely.
• Pour the cooled mixture into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare the ice cream.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to prevent the formation of ice crystals.
• Once the ice cream is ready, serve it in cups or cones and enjoy this sweet original.

I hope you have enjoyed making these simple preparations and you have liked to know more about this little-known tea in our country.

I wait for you in the next post!