What is Blue Tea & How to Make it Guide

You’ve heard of, tried and loved Black, Green and White Tea - but what is Blue Tea? No, we’re not making up infusions; it is a real thing, though probably not in the way you’re thinking.

If you’re keen to learn more, please keep reading to discover the answers. The following article will explain pretty much everything, including how to make Blue Tea and what it tastes like.

Once you know the facts, figures, history and health benefits, you can try it right here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Located in the stunning vistas of the Pluckley countryside, our family run-business proudly packs its products fresh to order.

This ensures not only quality but also consistency with every cuppa brewed. But first, of course, you’ll want to know, What is Blue Tea?

What is Blue Tea?

Blue Tea (also known as Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, Asian Pigeonwings, Darwin Pea and Bluebellvine) is a type of South-East Asian Herbal Tea. It comes from the Clitoria ternatea plant, which belongs to the Fabaceae family.

The flower petals have a distinct blue tint, a trait that transcends when made into a delicious cup of Butterfly Pea Tea - as, hopefully, you’re about to find out.

The infusion is perhaps most popular in Thailand - where our Tea originates - and Vietnam. However, it also has ties to Indian Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic healing practice that was one of the first to recognise the benefits of Blue Tea.

Only in recent years have the likes of travel shows and food bloggers caught wind of its existence. Since then, though, much of the West has woken up to its potential.

What Does Blue Tea Taste Like?

That’s all fair and well. But what does Blue Tea taste like? The short answer is, quite simply, heavenly. Yet, of course, you want to know more. You want details of its tasting notes.

Those who do not wish to be overpowered by this cuppa have chosen well here as, for the most, it has a delicate flavour. Connoisseurs describe it as slightly earthy with woody undertones, somewhat similar to mild Green Tea.

Does Blue Tea Have Caffeine?

When morning comes around, and you need to get out of bed, nothing helps you start the day the right way like caffeine. This stimulant exists in at least sixty plants, including Camellia sinensis (Tea) and Coffea (Coffee).

But is Blue Tea caffeinated? The simple answer is no; it isn’t. Worry not, though, as what it lacks in an energising boost, it makes up for with its positive influence on the waistline.

How Many Calories in Blue Tea?

On average, a man requires 2,000kcal a day, while a woman needs 2,000kcal. This might sound like quite a lot; however, as many of us will already know, it’s easy to exceed the recommended amount.

Indeed, people who consume more calories than their bodies need store the excess as body fat. The good news is that Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is practically calorie-free. And there’s more still to its potential. 

Benefits of Blue Tea?

What is Blue Tea good for otherwise? For starters, according to Ayurveda, it serves as a memory enhancer, anti-stressor, antidepressant and sedative agent.

It could be a natural painkiller, too, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. These could be capable of reducing body pain, headaches and swelling.

The icing on the cake is its antioxidants that reduce the risk of developing numerous conditions.

Do you add milk to Blue Tea?

It certainly isn’t a requirement, although, unlike most other types of Herbal Tea, it can be complementary - depending on your preferences.

Things get more interesting when you add a slice of lemon. This is because aside from offering a citrusy kick, the liquid literally transforms colour from blue to purple due to the altering of the pH level.

How to Make Blue Tea at Home

A quick recap: You know about its botanical features, you know what this tastes like, and you know it comes with health benefits. All that’s left, it would seem, is to show you how to make Blue Tea at home.

You’ll need a Tea Filter or Tea Infuser before getting started, both of which are available here. Once you have one of these items to hand, simply follow the below instructions:

1. Use a Tea Infuser / Filter.

Put loose petals into one of our Tea Filters or Infusers.

2. Boil the Kettle.

Brew fresh water using either filtered or bottled water.

3. Add Filter or Infuser to your Cup.

Place the Tea-filled accessory into a cup or mug.

4. Pour Freshly Boiled Water.

Fill the cup or mug with hot water.

5. Allow it to Infuse / Steep.

Let it steep for 5-10 minutes (the longer you leave it, the stronger it tastes.)

6. Time to Indulge.

Your Loose Leaf Tea is ready to enjoy at your leisure.

Where to Buy Blue Tea

Why not have a cuppa Blue Tea from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company? You won’t be disappointed in all it has to offer, whether it is the flavour, the lack of calories or the its itbenefits.

While you’re at it, be sure to browse our expansive selection of Tea and Coffee to discover other delights well worth brewing. Whatever you decide, you can count on us to deliver - literally and figuratively!