Introduction:
Blue tea, also known as Butterfly Pea Tea, has been a beloved drink for centuries in Southeast Asia, where it’s cherished for its striking blue color and potential health benefits. Made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, blue tea is not only a beautiful beverage but also boasts a range of medicinal properties that support overall health. Whether you enjoy it hot or cold, blue tea is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural compounds that can improve your skin, boost your immunity, and enhance your cognitive function. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of blue tea, how to prepare it, and tips for incorporating it into your daily routine.
Ingredients:
Butterfly Pea Flowers (dried or fresh)
Water
Honey or Sweetener (optional, for added flavor)
Lemon Juice (optional, to enhance color and flavor)
Ice Cubes (optional, for iced tea version)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tea:
Boil Water: Start by boiling water in a kettle or saucepan. You’ll need about 1 cup (240ml) of water per serving of tea.
Add Butterfly Pea Flowers: Once the water is boiling, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers. You can adjust the quantity based on your preferred strength of flavor and color.
Steep the Flowers: Let the flowers steep in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. The water will gradually turn a vibrant blue color as the flowers release their natural pigments.
Strain the Flowers: After steeping, strain the flowers out of the liquid, leaving you with a beautiful blue tea.
2. Add Sweetener (Optional):
If you prefer a sweeter tea, you can stir in some honey, agave syrup, or another natural sweetener to taste. Blue tea has a mildly earthy flavor, so adding a bit of sweetness can complement the taste.
3. Add Lemon Juice (Optional):
For a fun twist and a burst of flavor, squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice into the tea. Not only will this enhance the flavor, but it will also cause the tea to change color from blue to purple due to the acidity of the lemon.
4. Serve Hot or Cold:
Hot: If you prefer a warm beverage, simply enjoy your freshly brewed blue tea as is, or add a splash of milk for a creamy texture.
Iced: For a refreshing iced tea, pour the brewed tea into a glass with ice cubes. You can also add a slice of lemon or mint leaves for extra flavor and presentation.
the rest on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
