A Magical, Colour-Changing Chameleon Tea from Laos
For the poetic souls...
On a sunny afternoon, with the warmth of the sun wrapping around you like a gentle embrace, inspiration flows from the vibrant sights surrounding you. You've witnessed the intricate dance of artisans, their hands weaving and dyeing traditional fabrics of hemp, cotton, and silk in the bustling yet peaceful capital of Indo-China's Laos, the Vientiane city. Each thread tells a story, echoing the rich heritage of this land.
Settling into a quaint restaurant with a wooden table, you find yourself in an atmosphere that hums with the quiet joy of shared moments. The scent of the herbal tea wafts through the air, drawing you in. This is no ordinary tea; it is crafted from the striking blue butterfly pea plant, whose flowers bloom like miniature sculptures, their deep blue hue reminiscent of twilight skies. Its intriguing Latin name (Clitoria ternatea) brings a chuckle, echoing the shape of a female flower.
As the tea is poured, a mesmerizing greenish-blue liquid fills your cup, a hue both unusual and captivating for an herbal infusion. It mingles with pandanus, another native plant, its sweet aroma transporting you to lush tropical landscapes. You take a sip, and a mild, pleasant flavor envelops your senses. The tea is said to possess meditative properties, known for its potential to reduce stress, enhance cognitive function, and improve skin health, creating a connection between ancient remedies and modern wellness.
Feeling a surge of inspiration, you channel the essence of a wizard. You take a slice of lemon, letting the juicy droplets cascade into the blue elixir. You watch as the lemon's vibrant yellow merges with the beauty of the tea. In that moment of indulgence, magic unfolds. The deep blue transforms into a rich, enchanting purple, swirling with hints of the lemon's sourness, a symphony of colors and flavors that dances in your cup.
In awe, you momentarily pause, stepping back from meditation into the bounds of reality, pondering the miracle before you. This transformation is reminiscent of legendary tales, akin to a miracle where water turns to wine; it feels almost too profound to grasp. As you sit there, enveloped in the magic of nature's palette, you realize that sometimes, true wonder lies not in explanation, but in experience—an invitation to savor life's fleeting enchantments, one sip at a time.
For the rational souls...
When lemon juice is added to Blue butterfly pea tea, it causes a significant colour change due to the acidity of the juice, which contains citric acid (C6H8O7). The mechanism is driven by two main factors:
pH Change: Blue butterfly pea tea has an alkaline pH ranging from 7 to 9. The addition of lemon juice lowers the pH to around 3 to 5
Anthocyanin Behavior: Anthocyanins are sensitive to pH levels. In alkaline conditions, the pigments exist in a structure that reflects blue light. When the pH becomes acidic, the structure of the anthocyanins alters, shifting the color toward shades of purple, pink, or red.
Blue Butterfly Pea
Blue Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, known for its strikingly vibrant blue petals. This climbing perennial thrives in tropical climates and has gained popularity for its versatility and health benefits. The flowers are often used as natural food coloring, especially in teas, desserts, and cocktails. When steeped, the tea changes color with pH variation (e.g., adding lemon turns it purple). Traditionally, it's valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Easy to grow, this plant adds aesthetic charm to gardens while offering culinary, medicinal, and cultural significance.
Anthocyanin
Anthocyanins are natural pigments found in plants, responsible for their red, purple, and blue hues. These water-soluble compounds belong to the flavonoid group and are present in various fruits, vegetables, and flowers, such as berries, red cabbage, grapes, and blue corn. Beyond their vibrant colors, anthocyanins offer significant health benefits due to their strong antioxidant properties. They help combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and may support cardiovascular and brain health. Widely used in food and beverage industries as natural colorants, anthocyanins are also studied for their potential anti-cancer and anti-diabetic effects.
Pandanus
Pandanus, commonly known as pandan or screw pine, is a tropical plant genus comprising over 750 species. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, it features long, narrow, fragrant leaves and is often cultivated for its culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. The leaves are widely used in Asian cuisine to flavor rice, desserts, and beverages, imparting a distinct, sweet aroma. Certain species also produce edible fruit. Beyond the kitchen, pandan leaves are used in traditional medicine, natural insect repellents, and weaving mats or baskets. These versatile plants thrive in various environments, from coastal areas to rainforests.
