Blue matcha or "Blue matcha", butterfly pea flower powder

As matcha has gained popularity in the West and on social media for its beautiful vibrant green colour, variants on traditional matcha have quickly emerged. Among them, blue matcha, an indigo-blue powder, has quickly attracted attention for its surprising and highly "Instagrammable" colour.

But can we really talk about a new variety of matcha tea?

What is blue matcha? Is it really matcha tea?

Blue matcha is a powder produced from dried and ground butterfly pea flowers. Also known as "clitoria ternatea" or "blue pea," it is a plant native to Thailand, easily recognizable by its blue petals. As this flower does not come from the tea plant, it is an infusion, not a tea.

So it's not matcha in the strict sense of the word, but simply a misuse of language! Matcha is a green tea powder obtained after shading the tea plants, whose de-veined leaves are then finely ground with a stone mill. Genuine matcha has a green colour, which varies depending on its quality.

This flower powder is called "blue matcha" because, like matcha with its pretty green colour, it is used as a natural coloring agent, for example in smoothies, lattes, pastries, cosmetics, and even certain recipes, such as blue rice in Malaysia!

Versatile, you can add a few drops of lemon juice, and magic: the change in pH turns the drink purple, making it an interesting ingredient for realising surprising cocktails!

What does blue matcha taste like?

Blue matcha has a very smooth taste, with floral and vegetal aromas offering a delicate flavor on the palate.

A very different flavor profile from matcha, with a beautiful umami flavour and pronounced fresh, herbaceous notes.

Does "blue matcha" contain caffeine?

Since blue matcha does not come from tea plants or coffee plants, but from a flower, it is naturally caffeine-free.

Blue matcha therefore does not provide the stimulating and relaxing energy that real matcha can provide, thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine.

Blue matcha, what are the benefits?

Here too, there is a difference between the supposed benefits of blue matcha and Japanese matcha tea.

Although there is currently a lack of scientific studies to properly analyse the virtues of blue matcha, it is worth noting its high zinc content. Zinc is a trace element that helps combat skin problems such as acne and psoriasis. It also contributes to the synthesis of keratin and collagen, essential components of our hair. It is also an antioxidant, which helps slow down the aging of the eyes and skin.

Matcha, on the other hand, has a larger body of scientific literature, which highlights its high content of antioxidants, its deeply relaxing effect and the smooth, diffuse energy it provides, as well as improved focus and mood. Some studies indicate that matcha may also promote weight loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle.

• To learn more, I invite you to discover all the benefits of matcha in our dedicated item.

Beware of fake matcha

Outside Japan, the term "matcha" is unfortunately not regulated. This means that all kinds of powders, made from tea or infusions, can be found on the market under this name. There are other coloured powders, such as "pink matcha," made from dragon fruit powder, or simple green tea powders that do not comply with the production process of real matcha.

While they may sometimes be an interesting alternative to matcha, for example to reduce caffeine intake, the taste and benefits of these powders are not comparable.

That's why at Kumiko Matcha, I only offer my community authentic organic matcha sourced direct from Japan and produced with passion by artisan farmers.

>>> Click here to discover all our organic matcha teas