Blue Tea: The Rise of a Unique Beverage

Blue tea, flavoured with the locally grown Aparajita flower in Kolkata, also known as Clitoria ternatea, has become a household favourite, reflecting a growing trend in demand. This flower, also called shankhpushpi, sankhali, or the butterfly pea flower, lends a striking blue hue to water when dried and brewed, resulting in a visually captivating beverage.

Blue Tea India: From Concept to Creation

Blue Tea India, founded by Sunil Chandra Saha in 2018, has seen a gradual surge in popularity. Notably, Blue tea offers not only a delightful flavour but also numerous health benefits. Sunil Chandra Saha explains, "Blue tea is essentially a flower tea; flowers provide a milder, sweeter taste compared to leaves, which can be bitter."

Cultivation and Production: Sowing the Seeds of Success

To meet the rising demand, extensive research has been conducted into the cultivation of these flowers, their medicinal properties, historical usage, and geographical distribution. Saha and his co-founder, Nitesh Singh, discovered that the Aparajita flower is abundant across Southeast Asia and is used in various culinary and beverage applications. Recognizing an opportunity, they sought to leverage this demand for colourful beverages.

Market Dynamics: From Export Focus to Domestic Surge

Initially met with challenges in persuading local farmers in Kolkata to cultivate the plant on a large scale, Saha and Singh invested Rs 50,000 to demonstrate its potential. As the product gained traction and farmers saw substantial returns, their reluctance vanished. Today, Blue Tea India procures flowers nationwide, with contract farms established in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

While initially reliant on exports for 70% of its revenue, Blue Tea India has witnessed a remarkable shift in demand dynamics. From 2023 onwards, the domestic market has shown a significant uptick in interest. This surge prompted the company to establish a new warehouse in Madhyamgram town, north 24 Parganas district, to cater to local needs.

Health Benefits: Beyond Refreshment

A research published in January 2028 issue of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that Clitoria ternatea may be effective in reducing blood glucose and insulin levels in healthy men, particularly when consumed with sucrose.Malaysian researchers are investigating the potential of Clitoria ternatea in treating cancer, particularly breast cancer. If proven effective, this could offer a novel approach to cancer treatment. The antioxidant properties of Clitoria ternatea contribute to keeping the skin youthful. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, which is associated with ageing and skin damage. Blue tea may therefore have potential as a natural skincare ingredient or supplement.

Blue Tea India's Success Story

In summary, Blue Tea India has capitalised on the burgeoning demand for visually appealing and health-conscious beverages. Through strategic cultivation and market expansion efforts, the company has established itself as a prominent player in the blue tea market, offering not just a refreshing drink, but also a symbol of wellness and tradition.

For more information on Blue Tea refer to bluetea.co.in.