You’ve seen the global matcha boom! The word “matcha” is everywhere now, and we love it. From creamy lattes and smoothies to decadent cakes and ice cream, matcha has earned its reputation and delicious favorite.
Matcha-themed cafes are popping up all over the world, but now there’s a new color on the scene. If you’ve been on Instagram lately, you might have seen a stunning new trend: #bluematcha. But wait—matcha comes from green tea leaves, so how can it be blue?
Let’s dive into the secret behind this vibrant blue powder.
What’s the Secret Ingredient?
First things first: “blue matcha” isn’t actually matcha at all! Since it doesn’t come from tea leaves, it’s technically a herbal powder. It likely got the trendy “matcha” name because it has that same exciting, superfood feel that people in the West have come to love.
The real source is a beautiful flower called the Butterfly Pea. In Thailand, this common herb is affectionately known as “anchan.” It’s also grown in Japan’s warmer climates, like on the beautiful Taketomi Island in Okinawa.
Why is Everyone Calling it a Superfood?
Celebrities and models worldwide are buzzing about butterfly pea, and for good reason. It’s packed with potential and beauty benefits!
The magic comes from a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin. This is the same natural compound that gives blueberries and purple cabbage their deep color. But here’s the amazing part: butterfly pea contains about four times the amount of anthocyanins as blueberries! These antioxidants are great for protecting your body and are often linked to anti-aging benefits and promoting good eye.
Important Health Note: Butterfly pea is a wonderful herbal tea, but it’s known to have uterine-contracting effects. For this reason, it should be avoided by anyone who is currently menstruating.
How Can You Enjoy Blue Matcha?
Butterfly pea has a very light, pleasant flavor, making it incredibly versatile. It’s easy to prepare and fun to use!
Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:
- Simple Blue Tea: Just mix the powder with hot or cold water. Serve it chilled over ice for a refreshing treat.
- Sweeten it Up: Stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Make a Blue Latte: Whisk the powder with a splash of hot water, then top with your favorite steamed milk (oat milk is a great choice!).
- Colorful Lemonade: Add a spoonful to a glass of lemonade and watch the color magically change from blue to purple!
What do you think? As the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a cool, refreshing blue drink. Why not get creative and mix up your own beautiful butterfly pea creation?
