Blue matcha, also known as butterfly pea flower tea, is gaining popularity for its beautiful hue and health benefits. Read on to learn more!
What is Matcha?
Matcha refers to any ground or powdered tea. It is typically associated with green matcha, an electric green beverage with a unique flavor.
Green matcha contains nutrients from the entire tea leaf. Therefore, green matcha has more caffeine and antioxidants than green tea.
Matcha has become increasingly popular due to its unique flavor and associated health benefits. Enjoy it in a variety of ways including lattes, smoothies, and ice cream.
Blue Matcha
The butterfly pea plant, which is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its vibrant blue butterfly-shaped flowers, is used to make blue matcha.
These flowers are dried and then ground into a powder.
Butterfly tea powder and blue matcha powder are the same, however, matcha is more of a marketing term for this beverage resembling green matcha.
Green Matcha vs Blue Matcha
Blue matcha is not simply a different-colored version of green matcha. The 2 are very different.
Green tea leaves are ground up to make green matcha, while the other is made from ground-up butterfly pea flowers.
Green matcha has an earthy taste, while the blue version has a more mild, nutty flavor.
Blue is caffeine-free, while green contains caffeine. Both provide the health benefits of antioxidants.
Blue Matcha Benefits
1. Anti-inflammation
This matcha contains powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins. Red, purple, and blue vegetables get their vibrant colors from these compounds.
Anthocyanins protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases like heart disease and dementia.
You can learn more about anthocyanins in this Age-Defying Dietitian blog post – “Blue Vegetables: A Vibrant Ally in Anti-Aging”.
2. Healthy Skin & Hair
The antioxidants discussed above may promote healthy skin and hair. They may promote collagen synthesis and protect against skin damage.
3. Brain Health
There is some promising evidence to support how these antioxidants may have neuroprotective effects.
The anthocyanins in blue matcha may enhance cognitive function and memory as we age.
How to Use Blue Matcha
The following are ways you can incorporate this vibrant powder into your diet:
- Natural alternative to food coloring
- Blue lattes
- Cocktails & mocktails
- Smoothies
- Tea
- Cookies
Blue matcha powder turns purple when mixed with an acidic liquid like lemon juice or vinegar.
Its vibrant color, and ability to change color, make it a popular option for mixologists!
Brew powder hot or cold by adding ¼ – ½ teaspoon of powder to 1 cup of water.
Where to Find
Find blue matcha powder online and at some specialty stores. Consult your healthcare provider prior to adding this to your wellness routine.
See below for some recommended products:
Takeaways
Blue matcha, or butterfly pea flower tea powder, offers potential health benefits.
It is different from the more well-known green tea matcha, however, it offers similar benefits as both are high in antioxidants.
Blue matcha’s vibrant blue hue adds a bit of flare to any dish or beverage while providing powerful antioxidants!
Hungry for more?
Interested in more information on nutrition for healthy aging?
Check out the Age-Defying Dietitian’s Blog for more healthy aging content!
Sign up for our Nutrition for Healthy Aging Newsletter to get our latest content delivered directly to your inbox!
*Please note this blog post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.
Kathryn is a Registered Dietitian and a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach. She is also Certified through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Weight Management. She has 20+ years of nutrition experience working in a variety of healthcare settings. Her passion is to provide evidence-based nutrition information that supports vitality and longevity!