Blue Tea "Anchan"

Receiving a package from Thailand with a friend, we immediately sat down for a tasting. The first thing that caught our eye was the most unusual item—blue tea. This is not the tea tree Camellia sinensis, which this blog is dedicated to, but an entirely different plant — Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Butterfly Pea. Native to tropical equatorial Asia, Clitoria ternatea is widely spread in Thailand, Nepal, and Myanmar, where an infusion of its dried flowers is called Anchan. However, the drink is also found in China and Tibet under the name Chang Shu.

The deep, inky-blue color of the infusion is due to the presence of anthocyanins in the flowers. When any acid, such as lemon juice, is added, the drink changes color to magenta.

Aroma

Dried flower: Pronounced prune in dark chocolate, a rich fruit reduction sauce for meat with Chinese spices.

Hot flower: Bulgogi! That exact meaty sauce in its deep, complex expression! 🍖

Steamed flower: A full-bodied aroma of quinoa.

Taste

The first sip—an instant look of confusion replaced by curiosity: crispy fried peas (from Indian snacks), salted peanuts, buckwheat with meat gravy, a hint of Smecta medicine, sunflower and flax seeds. 🫛

In the mouth, the drink feels not just oily but downright fatty—almost like eating fried peanuts with peas. 🥜

Health Benefits

There is scientific evidence suggesting that Clitoria ternatea has a positive effect on the nervous system: its extract may improve brain circulation, stimulate memory, and strengthen neurons (based on studies, mostly conducted on animals). There is also data on its potential ability to lower blood sugar levels and its pronounced antioxidant properties.

In traditional medicine, blue tea has been used for infertility, menstrual disorders, and sexual dysfunction, as well as a natural aphrodisiac. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is considered a remedy for asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and migraines, although these effects have yet to receive sufficient scientific confirmation.

That’s the fascinating world of blue tea!