What is Purple Leaf Tea?
Purple leaf tea is a type of tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant that has been flushed with oxygen to turn it purple. The Camellia sinensis plant is also used to make green tea, oolong tea, and black tea.
The Camellia sinensis plant is native to Asia, and purple leaf teas have been produced in China and Japan for centuries. In recent years, purple leaf teas have become more popular in other parts of the world as well.
Purple leaf tea is sometimes made using only the buds and leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but it can also be made using a blend of leaves and stems. The leaves are typically flush with oxygen for about 10 seconds before they are dried. This helps to preserve the purple color of the leaves.
The flavor of purple leaf tea can vary depending on the variety of Camellia sinensis plant that is used, as well as the oxygen flush time and drying time. Purple leaf teas can range in flavor from sweet and fruity to earthy and robust.
The Benefits of Purple Leaf Tea
Purple leaf tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. This tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. Purple leaf tea also contains flavonoids, which are plant-based compounds that have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and cancer.
Antioxidants
Purple leaf tea is rich in antioxidants, which are substances that protect the body from damage caused by harmful chemicals called free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the development of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may prevent or delay some of the damage they cause.
In addition to its antioxidant content, purple leaf tea contains other substances that may promote health. For example, purple leaf tea contains polyphenols, which are chemicals that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer effects.
Cancer-Fighting Properties
According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2011, polyphenols extracted from purple tea leaves inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells by 30 to 50 percent.
The 2011 study was not the first to suggest that purple tea may help fight cancer. In 2010, a different group of researchers found that polyphenols in purple tea prevented damage to DNA in rats, a risk factor for cancer.
Digestive Health
digestive system, helping to keep things running smoothly. Purple tea has also been shown to be a helpful detoxifier, cleansing the body of harmful toxins and bacteria. The antioxidants present in purple tea may also help to protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Immune System Support
While more research is needed on the potential effects of purple leaf tea, some preliminary studies suggest that it may offer certain health benefits.
For example, one test-tube study investigated the effects of an extract of purple leaf tea on human immune cells. The results showed that the extract increased the production of important immune cells, such as natural killer cells and T-cells ( 1 ).
Natural killer cells play a vital role in immunity by attacking viruses and cancer cells, while T-cells help coordinate the immune response. Therefore, increasing their production could help enhance immunity.
How to Make Purple Leaf Tea
If you want to make purple leaf tea, you will need to gather a few supplies first. You will need purple leaves, water, and a pot. You can find purple leaves at your local grocery store. Once you have gathered your supplies, you will need to follow these steps.
Purple Leaf Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
-2 tsp of loose purple leaf tea leaves
-8 oz of boiling water
-Honey (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil and let it cool for about 2 minutes. This will ensure that your tea doesn’t end up being too bitter.
- Pour the purple leaf tea into a teapot or teacup strainer.
- Pour 8 ounces of hot water over the tea leaves and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Add honey to taste and enjoy!
Purple Leaf Tea Infusion
Brewing purple leaf tea is simple and only requires a few steps.
First, take your teacup or mug and add 1-2 teaspoonfuls of loose leaf tea. If you are using a tea ball infuser, add the leaves to the ball.
Next, bring water to a boil and then let it cool for about 2 minutes. This will ensure that the water is not too hot and will prevent the tea leaves from burning.
Pour the water over the tea leaves and let them steep for 3-5 minutes. The longer you let the leaves steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
Once the tea has finished steeping, remove the leaves (if using an infuser) and enjoy!
Where to Buy Purple Leaf Tea
You can find purple leaf tea at many different stores. The most common place to buy it is at a grocery store. You can also find it at some health food stores and online. If you want to buy purple leaf tea, you should look for a store that specializes in selling tea. This way, you can be sure that you are getting a good quality product.
Online
If you’re looking for a specific type of purple leaf tea, your best bet is to search online. There are many reputable retailers that sell high-quality teas, and you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. Make sure to read the descriptions carefully so that you know what you’re buying, and take advantage of any discounts or free shipping offers.
Some of the best online retailers for purple leaf tea include:
-Adagio Teas
-Tea Forte
-The Republic of Tea
- matchaNOW
Local Stores
If you’re trying to find purple leaf tea in stores, your best bet is to look for it in Asian supermarkets. This type of tea is becoming more popular in the West, but it’s still not widely available.
You might also be able to find it in some health food stores or online. Try searching for “purple leaf tea” on Amazon or eBay.
