Whether you're tea enthusiast looking to try something new, a Star Wars fan, or in search of a healthy, unique tea, you might want to try a blue matcha latte. It's a vibrant, Instagrammable drink that tastes as good as it looks cool!
Okay, so this blue latte might not be considered actual matcha (we'll get to that in a bit). And, if you haven't heard of it before, sometimes it's referred to as blue tea or a blue latte.
Whatever name you like to give it, this colorful spin on the classic green matcha latte might be something you want to add to your tea cabinet. If not for the fun blue color, for the many health benefits that come with this drink. It's a nice reprieve from other blue drinks out there that are often sugary and made with not-so-healthy ingredients, meaning that this blue tea latte could be a nice treat for kids, too.
But, what is a blue matcha latte, anyway?
Here's what you need to know — and, how to make it!
What is Blue Matcha?
Blue matcha is made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, which is also known as the butterfly pea plant or butterfly pea flower. This plant is commonly found in Southeast Asia, but it's actually one of the only plants of this kind to be native to the U.S., where it can be found in the southeastern part of the country.
To make a blue matcha latte, flowers from this plant are dried and ground into a fine powder known as blue matcha powder, which is then used to make tea.
Is This the Blue Matcha Drink From Star Wars?
Not quite. It' s hard to know what came first, but legend has it that the blue matcha latte gained popularity from Star Wars Galaxy's Edge. There's a scene from the movie that features Bantha milk, which looks like how you would imagine blue milk to look. Apparently, you can try this drink at Disney. But, if you're throwing a Star Wars themed party at home, a blue matcha latte may be the closest thing you can get to what they're serving out in the galaxy far, far way.
What is "Matcha" Again?
Matcha (抹茶) comes from the words "Ma" and "Cha" in Japanese which means "powdered" and "tea" respectively. By definition, matcha is always made from powdered green tea leaves and the drink is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. This means that any powdered tea that's not from green tea leaves is technically not "matcha". This hasn't stopped the name being applied to other similar types of tea drinks, like the blue matcha latte, and the powder used to make it is still referred to as blue matcha powder.
However, we believe when appreciating tea, it's important to understand where names and teas come from in order to respect the origins and unique cultures around tea.
Blue Matcha Latte vs. Green Matcha Latte
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You might be wondering what the difference is between a blue matcha latte and a green matcha latte aside from the obvious.
While both drinks use tea powder, they are quite different. A green matcha latte is made with traditional green matcha powder, which comes from shade-grown tea leaves. And, as mentioned, it's the true "matcha". The tea leaves are then ground into a fine powder, which is then whisked into hot water or milk to create a frothy, creamy drink. Green matcha has a distinct vegetal flavor and is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. These days, you can find all sorts of variations of green matcha.
On the other hand, a blue matcha latte is made with blue matcha powder, which as mentioned earlier, comes from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant (also known as a butterfly pea plant, or Asian pigeonwings!). The tea has a mild, earthy flavor similar to green tea but with a slightly sweeter taste. Blue matcha is often used to create funky drinks that would make even the regular tea drinker look twice.
Where to Buy Blue Matcha Powder at Home
If you want to make a blue matcha latte at home (because while we love supporting cafes, it's nice to be able to do it on your own time, and for much cheaper!), you'll need to purchase some blue matcha powder from the store. Remember, you might need to look for a box that says "butterfly pea powder" or "butterfly pea flower powder". You can find it at specialty tea shops, health food stores, and online retailers like Amazon. Expect to pay around $10 to $20 for a 50-gram bag of blue matcha powder, depending on the brand and where you purchase it from.
Of course, if you live near one of the regions where it is grown, you can also try your hand at making it "from scratch". Though, we wouldn't recommend this unless you're a botanist and can expertly identify the plant.
How to Make a Blue Matcha Latte in 5 Easy Steps
Making a blue matcha latte at home is easy and requires only a few steps:
What you'll need:
Blue matcha powder/butterfly pea flower powder
Water or milk of your choice
A tea kettle or pot and a way to heat it
Measuring spoons and cups
A mug
A mixing spoon
Ingredients:
A teaspoon of blue matcha powder
A cup of water or milk of your choice
A sweetener if you prefer (optional)
Here are the steps to making a blue matcha latte:
Step 1: Heat up a cup of your favorite milk on the stove, or water in the kettle.
Step 2: Add a teaspoon of blue matcha powder to a mug.
Step 3: Once your milk is heated up, pour it over the matcha powder and stir until the powder is fully dissolved.
Step 4: Add sweetener if you like (we recommend honey or agave) and stir.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Blue Matcha Benefits
One of the reasons this tea is a good option — aside from it being down right awesome — is because of the many blue matcha benefits:
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Supports brain function and cognitive performance
May help lower blood pressure
Provides a natural energy boost
May aid in weight loss efforts by boosting metabolism
Rich in flavonoids and catechins, which can help protect against chronic diseases
Contains bioflavonoids, which can promote hair growth
May have calming effects on the body and mind
Like anything, i's important to consume blue matcha in moderation becuase it does have the potential to lower blood pressure. Also, some people may experience allergic reactions to butterfly pea flower tea, so if you have any health concerns or allergies, it's best to consult your doctor before consuming blue matcha.
Other Ways to Enjoy Blue Matcha Powder
While blue matcha lattes are a popular way to enjoy this vibrant drink, there are other ways have fun making creative foods and drinks from blue matcha powder. Here are some ideas:
As a smoothie: Add blue matcha powder to your favorite smoothie recipe for a vibrant pop of color and potential health benefits.
In baking: Use blue matcha powder as a natural food coloring for baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and muffins.
As ice cream: Mix blue matcha powder into vanilla ice cream for a fun and unique dessert.
A blue lemonade: Add a spoonful of blue matcha powder to lemonade for a refreshing and colorful twist on this classic drink.
As a cocktails: Use blue matcha powder as a natural food coloring and flavoring for cocktails, such as adding it to a gin and tonic or a margarita.
These are just a few ideas for incorporating blue matcha powder into your diet beyond the traditional latte. Did you try something different? Let us know in the comments below!
Time to Make a Blue Matcha Latte!
A blue matcha latte — otherwise known as a butterfly pea flower latte, or a blue latte — is a pretty awesome looking drink that's not only fun to make, but offers potential health benefits if consumed in moderation. Why not consider adding this to fun blue tea drink to your beverage repertoire?