3 years ago on my first solo trip to Thailand is when I was first introduced to blue pea flower. I was on my third day of a four-day fast on one of Thailand’s small islands, Ko Pha Ngan. I couldn’t sleep—not eating does some very interesting things to the mind and body, I had crazy energy and mental clarity. The only things allowed during the fast were tea, coconut water, or freshly squeezed turmeric lemon juice. During this time, I fell in love with blue pea flower tea, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and medicinal herbal teas.
The color of blue pea flower is a beautiful blue colored herbal tea known as “nam dok anchan” (น้ำดอกอัญชัน), and when you add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to turns to a vibrant purple color due to the flower’s natural pH-sensitive pigments.
In Thai culture, the blue pea flower tea is associated with beauty and is used to promote lustrous hair and skin health. Traditional Thai herbal medicine values the flower for its health benefits, such as improving eyesight, reducing stress, and boosting memory.
Here’s the top 5 Health Benefits of Blue Pea Flower
The blue pea flower, also known as butterfly pea flower, isn’t just visually stunning—it has powerful health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries in traditional medicine. Here are some of its remarkable benefits:
1. Rich in Antioxidants
- Blue pea flowers are packed with anthocyanins, the same antioxidants that give blueberries their superfood status. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall wellness.
- Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich drinks like blue pea flower tea may also support brain health and enhance memory.
2. Calming Properties
- In traditional Thai and Ayurvedic medicine, blue pea flower tea is often used as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. Its calming effect makes it an ideal beverage for winding down after a long day.
- Enjoying a cup of this vibrant tea can promote relaxation, reduce fatigue, and even improve sleep quality.
3. Skin and Hair Health
- Rich in flavonoids, blue pea flowers are known to boost collagen production, which may contribute to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
- The antioxidants and peptides in the flower are also believed to strengthen hair follicles, promoting shiny, luscious locks. In Thailand, it’s often used in shampoos and conditioners for this very reason.
4. Supports Eye Health
- Blue pea flowers contain proanthocyanidin, an antioxidant that’s been linked to improved blood circulation in the capillaries of the eyes. This can help reduce eye strain—a must for anyone spending long hours in front of screens.
5. Natural Detoxifier
- Traditionally, blue pea flower tea has been used to support liver function and detoxify the body. Its gentle diuretic properties help flush out toxins, making it an excellent addition to your wellness routine.
In recent years, the butterfly pea flower has gained international attention as a trendy superfood, and Thailand plays a leading role in its cultivation and export. The flower is also a part of the royal cuisine tradition, where its colors and flavors are used in elaborate dishes.
Popular culinary uses include:
- Nam Dok Anchan: A refreshing herbal tea often served with a slice of lime. The acidity of lime transforms the blue drink into a striking purple, a visual treat that fascinates locals and tourists alike.
- Desserts: Sticky rice, coconut jellies, and other traditional Thai sweets are frequently colored with the blue pea flower, adding both beauty and a subtle flavor.
Symbolism of the tea in Thai culture
- In Thai culture, the flower is considered a symbol of peace and calm, aligning with its calming effects when consumed as tea.
- It is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In some rural areas, blue pea flowers are used in rituals and offerings to ensure harmony in the home.
- Blue pea flower has long been used in traditional Thai medicine as a remedy for stress, fatigue, and inflammation.
- Ayurvedic medicine also incorporates the flower for its memory-enhancing and detoxifying properties, showcasing its cross-cultural value.
About every local market I’ve been to sells dry Blue Pea Flower to make tea with. As well as a lot of street vendors on local tea and coffee shops will have the tea or make fun drinks with it by adding lemon and ice to make a beautiful drink. It’s a wonderful to see how nature, health, and culture intertwine and is still alive and well in Thai culture today. It would be awesome to see this health boosting drink more commonly avalible in the cafes around the United States.
How to Make Blue Pea Flower Tea
1. Classic Blue Pea Flower Tea
- Ingredients:
- 1–2 teaspoons of dried blue pea flowers
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey or sweetener (optional)
- Directions:
- Place the blue pea flowers in a tea infuser or directly in your cup.
- Pour hot water over the flowers and steep for about 5–7 minutes.
- Once the tea reaches a vibrant blue color, strain out the flowers.
- Add honey, lemon, or a sweetener of choice, or simply enjoy as is!
2. Blue Pea Lemonade (Color-Changing Lemonade)
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed blue pea flower tea (cooled)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener (optional)
- Ice
- Directions:
- Brew the blue pea flower tea and let it cool to room temperature.
- Pour the cooled tea into a glass filled with ice.
- Add lemon juice and stir gently. Watch as the tea changes color from blue to purple!
- Sweeten with honey or a sweetener of your choice and serve as a refreshing, colorful drink.
3. Blue Pea Flower Iced Tea with Mint
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed blue pea flower tea (cooled)
- 1–2 sprigs of fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Ice
- Directions:
- Brew the tea and let it cool.
- In a glass, combine the cooled tea with fresh mint and lime juice.
- Stir in honey for sweetness and add ice.
- Garnish with extra mint or a slice of lime.
Creative Ways to Use Blue Pea Flower
1. Blue Pea Flower Smoothie
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup blue pea flower tea (cooled)
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any milk of choice)
- A handful of spinach or kale (optional)
- Ice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Directions:
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- The blue pea flower tea will create a beautiful pastel color, and the flavor will be subtly floral and refreshing. A perfect nutritious drink to kickstart the day!
2. Blue Pea Flower Rice
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup brewed blue pea flower tea (cooled)
- A pinch of salt
- Directions:
- Rinse the rice thoroughly and cook it as usual, but substitute the water with blue pea flower tea.
- The rice will take on a lovely indigo hue, adding a unique twist to any meal, especially Thai-inspired dishes.
3. Blue Pea Flower Ice Cubes
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed blue pea flower tea (cooled)
- Fresh herbs (like mint or basil) or edible flowers (optional)
- Directions:
- Pour cooled blue pea flower tea into an ice cube tray.
- Optionally, add a small sprig of mint, basil, or edible flowers into each compartment before freezing.
- Use these ice cubes in any beverage to add color and a touch of floral flavor.
Bring the Magic of Blue Pea Flower Home
Are you ready to experience the vibrant beauty and incredible health benefits of blue pea flower tea for yourself? At Jordan’s Teas, we source premium, organic blue pea flowers to ensure every cup is as fresh, flavorful, and colorful as it should be. Straight from the wonderful land of smiles, Thailand.
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