HERBAL TEA: Clitoria Flovers, Anchan Blue tea, Thailand, 2023
HERBAL TEA: Clitoria Flovers, Anchan Blue tea, Thailand, 2023
Anchan, also known as blue tea, is the dried buds of the herbaceous vine Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly pea). Extremely popular in Asia, it produces a bright blue infusion with a sweetish taste.
Beneficial features:
1. Antidepressant. Since ancient times, Anchan has been used in Asia as a remedy to relieve stress and anxiety.
2. Weight loss product. The main hero-fighter against excess weight in blue tea is the antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which enhances the process of burning calories, accelerating metabolism.
3. Natural paracetamol. If you have a fever, but you do not want to use pharmacological drugs, try brewing anchan. The results of a scientific study conducted in India in 2004 showed that blue tea has antipyretic properties and has an effect similar to that of paracetamol.
4. Benefits for the eyes. Among many other beneficial antioxidants, clitoria flowers also contain proanthocyanidin, which is responsible for increasing blood flow to the capillaries of the eyes. This makes blue tea effective in treating retinal damage, glaucoma or blurred vision.
5. Help for diabetics. In 2015, scientists found that anchan is effective for people with diabetes: drinking even one cup of clitoris decoction between meals has been proven to regulate sugar levels and reduce blood glucose levels. Blue tea prevents excess absorption of glucose from food and hence helps control blood sugar levels.
6. Benefits for the heart. Research has shown that blue tea is effective in reducing high cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. It protects against heart disease by preventing hyperlipidemia (abnormally high concentrations of lipids or fats in the blood).
7. Rejuvenating effect. Our skin shows signs of aging as a result of a protein-damaging process called glycation. Anchan has anti-glycation properties, which allows you to keep your skin young longer. Additionally, the flavonoids (including quercetin) found in blue tea increase collagen levels, strengthening hair and skin cells and maintaining hydration in epidermal cells.
As you can already understand, anchan contains a huge amount of antioxidants, each of which has its own positive effect on our body. It is the only tisane (herbal drink) with antioxidant levels comparable to green tea. However, blue tea does not contain caffeine.
How to cook:
1. One or two teaspoons per 250 ml of water 85-90C.
2. Leave for 3-10 minutes. depending on the desired degree of saturation of the infusion. Anchan can withstand 2-3 brews.
3. In Thailand, they drink it not only hot, but also cold, often adding lime (then the color will change from bright blue to purple), ginger, mint, cinnamon, and lemongrass. Experiment!
ANCHAN BLUE TEAS - THAI NAPITAKU accelerates metabolism, removes toxins and carcinogens, improves skin condition, promotes weight loss Due to the unusual natural purple-blue color of the tea, it is called "Thai Blue Orchid". It has a refined flavor and beneficial properties for the body. Chang Shu tea helps to eliminate harmful substances, thereby speeding up metabolism. Regular consumption of Chang Shu rejuvenates and tightens facial skin.
Tea Hacks
Temperature water:
The water temperature for brewing tea depends on the type of tea, as different varieties require specific conditions to bring out optimal flavor characteristics. Here are general recommendations for water temperature for different types of tea:
Green Tea:
- Water temperature: 70-80°C.
- Green tea is delicate, and a high temperature can lead to bitterness. Use the lower end of the range for light green teas and higher for more robust ones.
White Tea:
- Water temperature: 80-85°C.
- White tea is also quite delicate, and a lower temperature helps preserve its soft and sweet flavor profile.
Oolong and Yellow Tea:
- Water temperature: 85-90°C.(185-194°F)
- Oolong and yellow tea often require a slightly higher temperature to reveal their complex aromas.
Black-Red Tea:
- Water temperature: 90-95°C.
- Black tea is typically fuller-bodied and spicier, so a higher temperature helps extract its rich flavor qualities.
Pu'erh Tea:
- Water temperature: 95-100°C.
- Pu'er, especially shu (cooked) pu'er, benefits from a high temperature to fully develop its flavor.
- Use only pure water without additives and extraneous odors to experience the true taste of tea. Don't forget to experiment with proportions and brewing times; this will help you find the perfect balance of flavors that suits you.
How to get the maximum flavor from tea extraction?
For the best experience in getting the maximum tea flavor, use a tippod with a spill function, gaiwan or gongfu teapot.
Follow the 5-second rule. Most teas reveal their aroma and flavor within 5 seconds of brewing. Carefully observe the water temperature that is required for the type of tea you are brewing. Use a thermos to keep the water at the same temperature.
1. Rinse - Rinse the tea in the kettle. Do this quickly, getting rid of the tea from the dust. One to three seconds is sufficient.
2. Straining. Now you can make the first brewing of tea. Pour water 1 centimeter higher than the leaf and drain after 5 seconds. taste the tea.
3 strain. Pour water and add another 5 seconds to the spill. 10 seconds - drain. Taste the tea and feel the bouquet and flavor unfold.
4 strain: repeat the same process. 15 seconds. If bitterness and astringency appear, reduce the duration of the pour by 10 seconds and repeat.
In this way you can brew the tea several times and each time the flavor will open up more and more until it subsides.
Experiment with time and find your personal ideal tea strain.