Green Tea Vs Blue Tea – A Comparative Study to help you decide which tea you should choose.
Green Tea: Green tea, derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, has been cherished for centuries. Its vibrant green color and distinct vegetal flavor make it a popular choice worldwide. Rich in antioxidants, green tea is associated with various health benefits, including improved metabolism, mental focus, and heart health.
Blue Pea Tea (Butterfly Pea Tea): Blue pea tea, on the other hand, originates from butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea). These striking blue flowers yield a vivid blue infusion when steeped. Unlike green tea, blue pea tea is caffeine-free, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a soothing, colorful beverage. Additionally, blue pea tea is believed to promote skin and hair health, aid in weight loss, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Both teas offer unique characteristics and potential health advantages, so let’s dive deeper into their differences!
Origin of Green Tea Vs Blue Tea
Green Tea:
- For years, green tea has held the throne as a symbol of health and wellness. Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, it boasts antioxidants and potential benefits like improved metabolism and mental focus.
- The global green tea market is valued at USD 16.26 billion (2022) and is projected to reach USD 27.29 billion by 2029.
Blue Pea Tea:
- Blue tea, made directly from Butterfly Pea Flowers (also known as Shankhpushpi or Aprajita in India), has gained momentum.
- Its vibrant blue color and earthy flavor profile have captivated health-conscious consumers across India and the USA.
- Blue tea is caffeine-free, making it an appealing alternative for wellness-focused individuals.
- While the Indian green tea market is substantial (about INR 4000 Cr in 2022), the rise of Blue Tea signifies a niche market prioritizing distinct flavors and holistic health benefits. Blue Tea aims to achieve USD 12 million in revenue by FY26. [Ref: Times of India]
Origins and Ingredients
Green tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and is cultivated in various regions, including China, Japan, and India. On the other hand, blue tea originates from South East Asia, is derived from the Clitoria ternatea plant (also known as butterfly-blue pea or Asian pigeonwings), and is not related to the Camellia Sinensis plant. Historically, blue tea has been used for dyeing, cooking, and cosmetics, and it is native to South Asia as part of the Fabaceae pea family.
Major Ingredients of Green Tea
Polyphenols: An essential part of green tea’s chemical composition, polyphenols include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. Flavanoids, the largest subgroup, contribute to the tea’s flavor. They are believed to be the plant’s defense against insects, bacteria, and fungi.
Catechins and Antioxidants: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a prominent catechin in green tea, offers strong antioxidant effects, protecting against free radical damage. Researchers often study EGCG’s health benefits.
Enzymes: While not directly related to taste, enzymes like polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase play a crucial role in green tea’s transformation into oolong or black tea. They convert polyphenols into theaflavins and thearubigans, changing the leaf color from green to brown1.
Amino Acids: The amino acid profile influences green tea’s flavor. Notably, L-theanine contributes to its umami taste and calming effects. [Ref: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/]
Blue Pea tea Ingredients
Anthocyanins: Butterfly pea flowers owe their vibrant blue hue to anthocyanin compounds called ternatins. These antioxidants may alleviate inflammation and potentially prevent cancer cell growth.
Acetylcholine: In Ayurvedic science, blue tea is recognized as a brain-boosting herb. It has been traditionally used to improve memory, support brain health, alleviate anxiety, and combat depression. This herb may also play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. Enjoying butterfly pea flower tea can offer numerous cognitive benefits.
Other Antioxidants:
- Kaempferol: Known for its cancer-fighting properties, it may kill cancer cells.
- p-Coumaric Acid: May have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects.
- Delphinidin-3,5-glucoside: Stimulates immune function and induces cell death in colorectal cancer cells
Numerous animal studies have reported that the extracts exhibit diuretic, nootropic, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, and wound healing properties.
Ref: Research Gate publication
Color and Appearance: Green tea vs Blue Tea
Green Tea has a natural greenish brown colour due to minimal oxidation during processing. The leaves are plucked, steamed, or pan-fired to preserve this hue.
Blue Tea infusion exhibits a mesmerizing blue colour, thanks to high anthocyanin content (powerful antioxidants). It turns bright pink when a dash of lemon juice is added to it. This bright colour and its medicinal properties make Blue tea a popular food colouring agent in Indian and south-east Asian cuisine.
Caffeine Content in Blue Pea Tea Vs Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine, albeit in moderate amounts. This makes it suitable for those seeking a gentle energy boost without the jittery side effects. On the contrary, blue pea tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an ideal choice for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it altogether. Keep in mind that the actual caffeine content of a cup of green tea can vary, but generally, it contains around 28 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce (237 mL) serving. Blue pea tea, made from flowers rather than tea leaves, doesn’t have any caffeine content. So, if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, sankhpuspi tea is a great choice!
Comparison of Taste and Flavour Profiles of Green tea and Blue PeaTea
Let’s explore the flavor profiles of blue pea tea (also known as butterfly pea flower tea) and green tea:
Green Tea:
- Flavor: Fresh, invigorating, with mild grassy or vegetal notes.
- Aroma: Clean and slightly vegetal.
- Taste Experience: Crisp and refreshing, sometimes with hints of sweetness or floral undertones.
Blue Pea Tea:
- Flavor: Mild, earthy, and woody.
- Aroma: Subtle and delicate.
- Taste Experience: Gentle and soothing, often enjoyed plain or with citrus or honey.
In summary, green tea offers invigorating freshness, while blue pea tea provides a gentle, earthy experience—both deserving a special place in your tea repertoire!
Health Benefits of Blue Pea Tea
Rich in Antioxidants: Butterfly pea flower is abundant in antioxidants, including ternatins, kaemphferol, p-coumaric acid, and delphinidin-3,5-glucoside. These compounds help protect your cells from damage and inflammation.
Neuroprotective Properties: The antioxidants found in blue pea flowers protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. These protective effects may contribute to reducing age-related cognitive decline and lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases
Weight Loss Promotion: Some studies suggest that butterfly pea flower may aid weight loss. Its antioxidant properties may contribute to metabolic health and fat reduction.
Blood Sugar Control: Butterfly pea tea may help regulate blood sugar levels. Consuming it could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
Skin and Hair Health: The antioxidants in butterfly pea flower may enhance skin and hair health. They protect against oxidative stress and promote overall well-being.
Heart Health: Drinking blue pea tea may improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting heart health.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Antioxidant Properties: Green tea contains catechins, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which help prevent cell damage and offer various health benefits.
Cognitive Function: Research suggests that green tea may enhance cognition, mood, and brain function due to compounds like caffeine and L-theanine.
Fat Burning: Green tea can increase metabolic rate and improve fat burning, especially when combined with exercise.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Although evidence is mixed, some studies link green tea consumption to a lower chance of certain cancers, such as lung and ovarian cancer1.
Heart Health: Green tea may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular health.
Skin and Gut Health: Green tea’s antioxidants contribute to better skin health and gut function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you choose green tea or blue pea tea depends on your health objectives and taste preferences. If you seek antioxidants, metabolism support, and a gentle caffeine boost, opt for invigorating green tea.
On the other hand, if you desire soothing properties, stress relief, and a vibrant blue hue, explore the enchanting world of blue tea. Ultimately, sip mindfully and enjoy the best of both worlds!