The tradition of tea drinking goes back centuries. Whether you live in equatorial Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia or America, drinking various kinds tea is an integral part of the life of the inhabitants of our planet. Per fragrant drink, refreshing and perfectly quenching thirst, people communicate, savor delicious desserts and even deal with business matters.
Naturally, we are used to drinking black and green tea. Slightly less popular is red hibiscus tea, brought from sunny Egypt and brewed from hibiscus flowers. Also on the territory of Russia and other post-Soviet countries are common herbal teas– infusions from various spices and medicinal plants, for example, mint, lemon balm, chamomile, thyme, St. John's wort.
And in recent years, specialized stores and online resources for the sale of tea offer their consumers a unique opportunity to try plant materials imported from the most remote corners of our planet and fully enjoy them. amazing taste, exquisite smell and undoubted benefits for the body. For example, blue tea- the butterfly has long become calling card Thailand.
What it is?
Blue tea is obtained from large blue buds of trifoliate clitoria (blue peas, butterfly peas, Thai orchid, anchan) - evergreen leguminous plant growing in Thailand and Malaysia. The thing is that when brewing the petals of dried flowers, the output is a drink of a rich blue hue.
Do not confuse Thai tea from the petals of the trifoliate clitoris with the Chinese large-leaf oolong, which also gives bluish tints when brewed. These two are perfect different plants, differing both in taste and in medicinal properties.
Brought from ecologically clean regions of Southeast Asia, Butterfly tea pea tea or butterfly pea, which means “moth peas” in Russian, is valued all over the world not only for its original color, amazing aroma and rich delicate unobtrusive taste with notes of earth and wood, but also for healing qualities, which are possessed by vegetable raw materials dried in the sun and packaged in sealed packages.
Useful properties of blue tea, composition
Healing blue tea from Thailand has a powerful biochemical composition, which contains anthocyanins (substances with powerful antioxidant properties that give the product a characteristic blue color), steroids, flavonol glycosides, triterpenoids, peptides, polyphenols, vitamins (C, groups B, K, D) and numerous mineral salts (magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, etc.).
According to Ayurvedic medicine, blue tea has the following medicinal properties:
- nootropic;
- antioxidant;
- sedative;
- soothing;
- diuretic;
- decongestant;
- cleansing;
- anticonvulsant;
- anxiolytic;
- restorative;
- tonic.
Drinking a drink has a beneficial effect on the state of the nervous system, is a way to eliminate the effects of stress, relieves depression and anxiety, improves cognitive functions of the brain, including memory and concentration. In the East, it is believed that if you drink blue tea correctly, you can influence the female libido, increasing sexual desire for the opposite sex.
And blue tea from Thai orchid helps strengthen vision, improving its sharpness and perception of contrasts, as it cleans the vessels of the eyeballs and relieves tension from the visual organ, prevents oxidative stress in the body, helps strengthen and restore natural hair color. Drinking infused buds is considered a powerful cosmetic product that is active from the inside and favorably affects the condition of the skin.
There is a practice of rinsing the hair with blue tea infusion. It works like a high-quality conditioner, removing static electricity and improving the combability of the strands during styling. Such procedures help to improve the condition of the hair, restore color, strengthen the roots, and acquire curls of amazing shine. To prepare the rinse aid, a glass of brewed classic recipe tea is diluted in 0.7 l of distilled water and used after each wash.
But the drink received the greatest distribution among women all over the world for its invaluable help in controlling body weight. The systematic drinking of blue tea helps to lose weight and maintain a slim figure, especially in combination with a well-thought-out diet and additional physical activity.
Thai blue tea for weight loss is useful due to its ability to reduce appetite, accelerate metabolism, remove excess fluid from tissues, relieve irritability and anxiety caused by food restriction. Only 2-3 cups delicious drink a day will help every woman in the fight against extra pounds. The initial course of treatment is 1-2 weeks, after which a three-week break is made.
Blue tea recipes
Many readers are concerned about the pressing question - how to brew blue tea correctly so that the drink reveals all its beneficial features?
- Classic variant
Tea sommeliers recommend preparing a drink using the following technology: pour over teapot steep boiling water, immerse 6-8 flowers in a container for each glass of water, steam with hot, but not boiling water (temperature 85-90 ° C), close the lid, let it brew for 4 minutes, pour into porcelain cups.
You can drink tea both warm and chilled. It perfectly quenches thirst and charges the body with additional energy. Added to blue tea ginger root, lemon, lime, Bee Honey or sugar, according to your own taste. By adding sour lemon juice the drink changes color from blue to intense purple.
- An exquisite cocktail for any occasion
Here is a unique recipe non-alcoholic cocktail called "Purple Mojito", serving which every hostess will rightfully win the title of the most original and hospitable. It is useful to drink for both adults and children. The drink is served with a straw; the color of the cocktail makes even the most inattentive guests pay attention.
Strongly brewed blue tea is poured into a tall glass for a cocktail by a quarter, diluted mineral water(necessarily highly carbonated), leaving about a third of the volume to the top, put 1-2 teaspoons sugar syrup, finely chopped fresh leaves peppermint, lime slices, lemon slices and crushed ice.
Numerous testimonials from consumers, traditional and traditional medicine indicate that blue tea from Thailand has beneficial properties, and its inclusion in the daily diet can significantly improve health.
Have you tried blue tea yet? Personally, I fell in love with him from the first cup after visiting Thailand. Now I buy raw materials in the online store, choosing for myself from numerous positive feedback trusted supplier. Beauty and youth to you, dear readers!
Tea is truly magic drink. For a cup fragrant tea friends gather for a sincere conversation, pass family dinners and even business matters. What kind of varieties of this miracle drink does not exist: the usual black and green varieties, exotic red and yellow, and, of course, the mysterious blue.
Thai tea "Nam Dok Anchan", also known as "Butterfly Pea Tea", should not be confused with blue tea from China, the oolong variety, which in ready-made it is not blue at all, but a reddish-golden hue.
Blue tea is a tandem of vitamins (B, C, D, E) and trace elements. Contains manganese, iron, phosphorus and other substances useful for humans. Such a rich composition in the complex:
- is a natural antidepressant nervous system improves memory and activates the brain;
- increases immunity, helps to preserve beauty and youth, restores strength after overwork;
- participates in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- reduces the risk of blood clots, removes toxins and toxins from the body.
Trace elements prevent brittle hair and nails, promote their normal growth, fight irritation and inflammation on the skin, and improve the functioning of the digestive system.
Thai blue tea - best helper for those who work at the computer. The beneficial properties of the drink help to eliminate fatigue and redness of the eyes, restore clarity of vision, and also alleviate the course of some eye diseases.
In addition, it perfectly quenches thirst, and the polyphenols contained in its composition activate the process of losing weight, contributing to the breakdown of fatty tissues.
Against the backdrop of all healing properties It is difficult to single out contraindications for this tea, but they still exist. Be wary of the drink in case of individual intolerance and the presence allergic reaction for the vitamins listed above.
Contraindications to its use are also pregnancy and period breastfeeding, anemia, taking drugs that reduce blood clotting.
Features of collection and processing
Blue tea is obtained from the dried flowers and leaves of the Thai orchid, also known as the clitoria trifoliate, anchan, moth peas. The plant has large blue flowers, which are also actively used to give a sky blue hue to culinary products.
The collection of raw materials for the production of tea resembles a real sacrament. Early in the morning at dawn, when the flower buds are still closed, pickers pluck them together with three petals. Only young buds are suitable for perfect blue tea.
The whole process of preparation is carried out manually under the close attention of tea masters and consists of several stages. First, the flowers are partially dried for at least 10 hours in the open air. With partial drying, the core of the clitoria flower is still wet, and the outer part is already dry. Then subjected to oxidation. Only then does the final drying follow. At the last stage, tea is rolled into spirals and packaged.
A sign of high-quality blue tea is whole, not broken into pieces. small pieces, buds.
Secrets of brewing and range of taste
"Nam Dok Anchan" has a deep blue color and a delicate, subtle taste, which, according to reviews, is somewhat reminiscent of iodine. The original, unique aroma enchants and makes you drink it again and again. It is recommended to brew blue tea from Thailand in porcelain or glassware and serve in transparent cups. This will allow you to enjoy the exquisite color of the drink.
And to feel real taste and fragrance needed:
- Preheat the kettle by rinsing hot water.
- Pour in two teaspoons of tea leaves.
- Pour hot water (250 ml) for 10 seconds, then drain. This will remove possible dust and small particles. Boiling water should be avoided, water should be 85-90°C.
- Then re-fill the tea leaves with water and leave for 5 minutes. The drink is ready to drink! It can be drunk both hot and chilled.
Sugar, honey or lemon can be added to Thai blue tea for a richer taste. Under the influence of lemon, the drink changes its color to purple.
The same tea leaves can be used 2-3 times, during which it retains its properties. A freshly brewed drink has a delicate blue color, as it cools, it turns blue.
It's believed that healing effect blue tea manifests itself with regular, but not overuse, it is enough to drink it no more than 1-2 times a week.
How to choose a quality product
Thai blue tea lovers do not always have the opportunity to bring it from Phuket, Pattaya or Bangkok. What do you need to know in order to choose a quality product?
- Tea should look like dry flowers butterfly peas. It should not contain foreign leaves and any impurities.
- Flowers should be whole, not broken into small pieces.
- There should be no blue stains on the walls of the cup after drinking the drink.
Popular varieties of Thai tea
In addition to blue tea in Thailand are also popular:
- milk oolong;
- matum;
- jiogulan.
A truly magical drink. Its delicate creamy aroma and mild sweetish taste have gained wide popularity. Useful properties are similar to blue tea: it strengthens the immune system, activates the processes of losing weight, and rejuvenates the skin.
It got its name in honor of the fruits of the tree from which it is made. The taste resembles a bouquet of dried fruits, flowers and berries. It does not contain caffeine, but despite this, the drink invigorates and tones. This tea in Thailand, it is advised to use it for colds and to strengthen immunity.
Jiogulan, or “drink of immortality,” as it was popularly called, is made from the five-leaf gynostemma. The tea has a pleasant taste, floral aroma and an amazing mint tint. It is useful in the fight against stress, as well as in strengthening the heart and normalizing metabolism.
The variety of Thai tea is fascinating, everyone can find a drink to their taste. However, the true pearl of all splendor is the blue Thai tea "Nam Dok Anchan", which not only surprises with its color and taste, but also enriches the body with vitamins and useful minerals.
Thai blue tea - strictly speaking, not tea at all, but herbal infusion.
Blue Thai tea is the dried flowers of a plant called (Clitoria ternatea). Clitoria - a variety sweet pea, therefore, in the English version, blue tea is called Butterfly Pea Tea, or moth peas.
Clitoria trifoliate, Clitoria ternatea moth pea
Description of blue tea
Since the flowers of moth peas are blue, the decoction of them turns out to be similar, beautiful bright blue.
Thai blue tea
By the way, in addition to tea, clitoria flowers are often used as natural for dyeing and fabrics.
Khanom Chan in the form of roses
Unlike the bright bewitching color, blue tea has no taste. Something straw with an iodine tinge.
Thai blue tea
Thai blue tea should not be confused with blue Chinese teas is a medium-fermented oolong (oolong) with a pronounced aroma, but not at all blue in color.
I did not notice that it is very popular among the local population. Rather, his recent times are promoted by local sellers of souvenir shops and pharmacies for Russian tourists as useful tool Thai traditional medicine. The price of a 100 gram package ranges from 60 to 100 baht.
Thai blue tea
How blue tea is made
The way this tea is made is quite interesting. The buds of the plant are collected exclusively in the morning. Moreover, as a rule, flowers are plucked, which have three leaves, despite the fact that the triple clitoris can have seven of them. After harvesting, the buds are dried in a certain way - so that the core remains moist.
The production process does not end with the collection and drying. Semi-dry flowers go through the stage of oxidation, are completely dried and twisted by craftsmen into long curls. But that's not all. Next comes the fermentation process - the final phase. Prepared buds are put together with leaves in a cool, damp place, where they are occasionally mixed. And now, after all these manipulations, we get blue tea in the form that we are used to.
Benefits of blue tea
Blue tea contains important trace elements (iron, phosphorus, manganese) and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B12, C, K, E, D).
According to unverified reports, Thai blue tea has calming and diuretic properties, improves blood circulation and makes life easier in the heat. They also say that it has a beneficial effect on visual acuity, improves the condition of hair and skin, and improves memory.
How to brew blue tea
On a standard glass or tea cup, take 10 dried flowers, brew with slightly cooled boiling water (90 degrees), let it brew for 1-3 minutes.
blue thai tea
Thai tea is drunk both hot and cold. At the same time, freshly brewed tea is blue, infused tea is deep blue.
Blue tea can be drunk on its own, or with mint or lemon. By the way, lemon changes the color of tea to purple and gives the drink a peculiar, quite pleasant taste. You can add sugar or honey to blue tea.
Thai blue tea with lemon
The delightful sapphire color of this tea can make it an unusual souvenir from Thailand for relatives, friends and colleagues.
By the way, you can buy butterfly pea seeds and grow them yourself.
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For a long time, no one is surprised by the variety of teas. Black, red, green, herbal and medicinal, they are represented by different trademarks in in large numbers and under various titles. But few people have tried the mysterious blue tea from Thailand. It stands out from the general idea of tea with its unusual ultramarine color and its inherent beneficial properties. Are there any reviews about it?
Mysterious blue tea from Thailand
Butterfly peas, anchan, Thai orchid, trifoliate clitoria - all these are the names of the same plant, from the flowers of which the mysterious blue drink is obtained. This is an evergreen herbaceous vine, reaching a length of over 3 meters. Large, up to 6 cm in diameter, flowers are harvested early in the morning, dried for about 10 hours, subjected to oxidation, re-dried and then the buds are tightly folded by hand. When brewed, an absolutely incredible blue color is obtained. When lemon is added, the drink acquires a purple color, which only adds to its mystery and beneficial properties.
Anchan
Anchan - that's what the people of Thailand call this amazing flower. The blue tea made from it is known as Butterfly pea tea. Bags of these exotic dried petals are one of the most popular souvenirs purchased by tourists in Thailand. Blue colour brewed buds attracts with its unusualness. As for taste, there are some disagreements. Someone calls the taste of blue quite specific, and someone does not feel any taste at all. Therefore, in order to form your own impression of the ultramarine miracle, most likely, you need to try it personally. Now you can buy this tea not only in Thailand, but also in numerous online stores or search in specialized stores in your city. Such popularity is justified not only by the ultramarine color of the drink. When brewed, special substances are released that make blue tea especially useful.
Dry flowers of clitoria trifoliate Mysterious blue tea A welcome souvenir from Thailand
Compound
Blue tea contains a large group of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins C, E, K, D, B1, B2, B12, B 13, as well as phosphorus, iron and manganese have a beneficial effect, normalize the metabolism in the body.
Beneficial features
Butterfly pea tea - 100% natural product, consisting only of flowers of cliteria trifoliate. It has many useful properties:
- improves memory
- helps improve vision
- increases stress resistance
- helps get rid of insomnia
- helps normalize high blood pressure
- has a healing effect on hair and nails
- normalizes metabolism
- recommended for weight loss
- slows down the aging process (including preventing the appearance of gray hair in the hair)
- perfectly quenches thirst
It is important to remember that the use of any drink should be in moderation. For weight loss, it is enough to drink blue hour for a week, no more than 3 cups a day, then take a break for 3 weeks. If you just drink anchan tea for pleasure, then after a month of drinking the drink, it is advisable to take a break for 2-3 weeks.
The extract from the clitoris ternary is part of many cosmetics, produced in Thailand, and also serves as an excellent natural food coloring.
Contraindications
Like any useful plant, the triple clitoris has contraindications for use. First of all - individual intolerance. When using Butterfly pea tea, you should not drink a lot of water, as the load on the kidneys increases. You should also refrain from anemia and low blood pressure. Pregnant and lactating women, as well as those who plan to become pregnant, should consult their doctor before use.
Reviews of doctors about the therapeutic effect
Opinions of specialists in the field of medicine are quite opposite. Many doctors, and especially Thai and Indian doctors, confirm undeniable benefit plants, citing numerous patient reviews and pharmacological studies as evidence. Another group of doctors claims that blue tea is exclusively regular drink, with the use of which all the benefits can be explained by the placebo effect. But these radically opposite groups are unanimous in one thing - anchan cannot harm the human body in any way, except for individual intolerance.
How to brew a Thai orchid
It is better to choose a teapot for brewing glass or porcelain. After the water boils, let it stand for 5-6 minutes, as the drink is not brewed with boiling water. Then pour 2 teaspoons of flowers with hot water and drain it after a minute. This will rinse the buds before use. Now you can add 200 g of water and after 5 minutes the infusion will be ready for use. It is drunk both hot and cold. You can add sugar, honey, lemon balm, mint, currant leaves to taste. It is noteworthy that adding a few drops of lemon juice changes the color of tea to purple-violet, which, however, does not harm its taste in the least.
Blue tea in cooking
In Thailand, steeply brewed anchan is often used as food coloring for rice, noodles and scrambled eggs. Blue jelly will also look unusual on the table. In order to make this dessert, you will need 1 cup of strong clitoris ternary tea, 3 tsp sugar, 3 grams of gelatin, 2/3 cup of water. You can add a few drops of lemon juice, then the jelly will be purple. Pre-soak gelatin in 2/3 cup of water, dissolve sugar in warm tea leaves. After the gelatin swells, mix it with sweet tea leaves and stir until completely dissolved. Strain, pour into molds and leave to harden.
Application in home cosmetics
This exotic drink has also found its way into beauty recipes, especially when caring for color-treated hair. 200 gr. flowers of clitoria trifoliate, 100 gr cut into pieces boil ginger and a few sprigs of bergamot for 5 minutes and cool. Rinse your hair with this decoction after shampooing. This procedure will help strengthen hair, get rid of dandruff, keep hair from early graying, and brunettes will be able to refresh their hair color.
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