Tea is a wonderful aromatic drink that is appreciated all over the world. The selection of teas is currently incredibly large: white, green, blue, red, black. Each of them is good in its own way. In our article we want to talk about blue tea, its properties and features.
Blue drink
Blue tea from Thailand is a tonic, healthy drink, which got its name due to its beautiful shade after brewing. But this species has nothing to do with the Chinese oolong, which also has a similar color.
Thai blue tea is obtained from a plant with the beautiful name clitoria triad. The clitoris shoots reach 3.5 meters in length. It grows only in Thailand. It is for this reason that the plant is often called the "Thai orchid."
Blue tea has become very popular not only among Thais themselves, but also among guests of the country. The drink has a stunningly beautiful color. In addition, it is incredibly useful. Thanks to its healing properties, the people of Southeast Asia love it so much.
Tea Production
Blue Thai tea is obtained in an interesting way. Plant buds are harvested only early in the morning, and only those buds that have three petals are considered suitable. Then they are dried in such a way that the middle remains slightly moist, which means that it retains all the beneficial properties.
In general, the drying process takes place in several stages. Raw materials are dried in the fresh air for ten hours. Still wet petals undergo oxidation, after which they are completely dried. Complex multiple processing is needed in order to maintain the elasticity of the product.
At the very end of the processing, the flowers undergo a fermentation process, which is very important for obtaining a high-quality product. At this stage, the dried leaves are placed in a cool, moist place and periodically mixed. Such a simple but effective technology allows you to save all the valuable substances in tea.
The very last stage of production is the manual folding of dried buds into tight curls.
By the way, during the brewing of blue tea, you can determine whether all the technologies were sustained during the production and drying process. In the event that everything was done correctly, the brewed buds should remain intact and not fall apart into separate elements. As a result, you should get beautiful blue tea. The drink in a transparent container looks especially impressive.
The composition of the healing drink
Blue tea from Thailand contains many vitamins and minerals:
- Iron, which has a beneficial effect on the circulatory system. It contributes to the enrichment of blood oxygen. In addition, iron strengthens the structure of nails and hair.
- Manganese promotes the absorption of iron by the body, and also takes part in the process of cell formation.
- Phosphorus is found in tea in large quantities. It is useful for bone tissue and tooth enamel. In addition, the element promotes the production of carbohydrates and proteins, improves the metabolic process. Phosphorus is an important element in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Vitamin B1 contributes to the normalization of the digestive tract, and also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
- Vitamin K helps slow down the aging process.
- Vitamin B2 is incredibly important for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, for the proper functioning of the metabolic system and for the acuity of your vision.
- Vitamins C and E are known as oxidants, which help strengthen immunity. In addition, they protect us from the influence of free radicals, thereby reducing the risk of disease.
- Vitamin B12 is nothing more than a natural antidepressant that protects our body from the harmful effects of stress.
Useful properties of tea
The beneficial properties of blue tea from Thailand have long been used by people. So, for example, it is recommended to be used by those who, due to their profession, constantly strain their eyesight. Vitamins contained in the drink contribute to the normalization of vision, as well as the cleansing and expansion of the blood vessels of the visual system. The drink is good for cataracts and glaucoma.
In addition, blue tea has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. Minerals and trace elements dilate blood vessels, increase their permeability and elasticity. The drink is recommended for Alzheimer's disease, as it contains large amounts of manganese and phosphorus. Drinking tea regularly will improve memory. In addition, the drink is good for relaxation. Tea can be safely attributed to natural antidepressants.
Blue slimming tea
The blue drink has an unusual color, in addition, it is considered a very effective tool for women who want to maintain beauty. Tea helps maintain healthy hair and nails. In addition, the substances in it contribute to the retention of calcium in the body, which is necessary for the strength of bones and teeth.
No less good drink and for weight loss. Clitoria flowers are rich in polyphenols, which help break down fat. The metabolic processes in the body improve the work due to the complex of vitamins in tea. This allows you to tone the body and slow down the aging process.
Many skeptics claim that the drink in no way affects the process of losing weight. However, the University of Colorado has published the results of its studies of blue tea. So, experts believe that the drink is still able to prevent obesity and become an assistant in the fight against it. This is confirmed by research. Of course, this does not mean that drinking only tea will solve all your problems. But as one of the components of an integrated approach in the fight against excess weight, the drink is quite effective, because it contains antioxidants.
It is scientifically proven that tea contains caffeine, which helps burn fat. In addition, the drink has a diuretic effect. The catechins contained in tea are very good antioxidants that accelerate metabolic processes, thereby creating the prerequisites for weight loss. It is also worth remembering that the blue drink contains polyphenols, which serve as a prophylactic for type 1 diabetes.
How to brew a drink
Blue Chinese tea needs to be able to brew properly. To do this, take a porcelain or glass teapot. Next, boil water and pour boiling water into a teapot. Next, the liquid should stand in the teapot for about seven minutes, after which it is necessary to lower a couple of buds into the container and cover with a lid. After the drink has been infused for ten minutes, it can be consumed. The same inflorescences can be brewed several times. Blue drink has no bright smell. It is not sharp, but some believe that its aroma resembles a herbal infusion.
To improve the taste of the drink, you can add currant, lemon balm, mint and lemon leaves to it. In addition, such tea will be even more useful. By the way, when lemon is added, the drink changes color, it turns bright purple.
Proper use
A blue drink for treatment must be consumed in courses. If you want to take a preventive course for the organs of vision, then you need to drink tea for at least two cups a day for three weeks.
But for weight loss it is worth increasing the daily dose to three cups. You can’t drink the drink constantly. It is necessary to take a break, after which, if necessary, repeat the treatment or prophylactic course.
Where to get tea?
Blue tea is incredibly popular in Thailand. There, its cost is quite acceptable. You can buy it at any resort if you plan to spend a vacation in Thailand. One hundred grams of tea costs no more than three dollars. If you do not plan to visit Thailand, then you can order tea on the Internet. But in this case, its cost will be about 500 rubles per hundred grams.
Contraindications
A very important point is the fact that the drink has no contraindications. Absolutely all people can use it. The only exception may be an allergy to clitoris flowers or individual intolerance. The rest of the drink is completely harmless and even healthy.
Good cosmetic
Thai tea is also used as a cosmetic for hair. The most effective method is to rinse the hair with a blue infusion. The recipe for the decoction is quite simple. It is necessary to pour ten inflorescences with a glass of hot water, after which you need to brew tea for twenty minutes. Next, the broth is diluted with a liter of warm water and used as a rinse after washing.
Clitoris seeds
If you have never been to Thailand, you can purchase clitoria seeds at home. They are sold in specialized places. The plant, which the Thais call Achan, grows beautifully in southern Russia. Having received the flowers of the plant, you can make tea from your own crop. Of course, you won’t get exactly the same drink as in Thailand, because the tea undergoes special processing. But still, home infusion will not be less useful.
Using the drink in cooking
Thais use the flowers of the clitoris plant not only in the form of tea. They are good as a natural colorant for rice dishes. By the way, in Thai hotels, a blue drink is served as a means to quench your thirst.
The broth can be used to give a beautiful shade to any homemade creams or desserts. A blue treat will surely surprise your guests. Natural dye will not only not spoil your culinary masterpiece, but will also make it useful.
Unusual jelly can be made from a blue drink. To do this, take a glass of tea to take 3 grams of gelatin, 15 grams of sugar, 150 ml of liquid. You can also add a little lemon juice, then the dessert will acquire a lilac hue. Sugar and gelatin are put in tea, stirring the ingredients until dissolved. The liquid is filtered and poured into molds, sent to the refrigerator until completely solidified.
Tea Reviews
According to tourists, real quality tea can be tasted in China and in Thailand. If we are talking about a blue drink, then it is best to purchase it in its homeland. Firstly, here its price is quite acceptable, and secondly, you will be sure that you are using the original product. By the way, blue tea is one of the most popular presents brought to relatives and friends from Thailand. If you yourself do not plan to visit the country, then ask to bring a miracle drink for you.
According to reviews, blue tea is significantly different from the usual drinks. Its taste and smell are completely unobtrusive. But many say that it looks like a herbal decoction. Of course, not everyone may like this drink, but most gourmets leave only good reviews about it. Also, people believe that tea has a strong invigorating effect and is good for morning use.
In general, the drink is worthy of the attention of tea lovers. No wonder he is incredibly popular in Asia. But the locals are a good judge of teas. Even if you initially do not like the taste, it can be improved with all kinds of additives. In the future, as you get used to the unusual aroma and taste, you can drink the drink in its purest form.