Beyond Aesthetics | Blue Cornflowers & Tea
Background:
Centaurea cyanus, sometimes referred to as bachelor’s button but most commonly known as blue cornflower, is a flowering member of the Asteraceae family that is native to Europe. There is some debate about whether this plant is considered a wildflower or a weed because it grows naturally and often sprouts up in corn fields, making it a competitor to cultivated crops. Regardless of what you want to call it, it is an impressively hardy plant that can grow up to three and a half feet tall. Its flowers can be white, pink, or blue - although blue is the most common. The signature blue color is so popular that it has even been referenced in art and literature pieces, like Hans Christian Anderson’s original The Little Mermaid. Butterflies and bees adore blue cornflowers, and they’re not alone! One of our favorite things about this plant is its ability to be used in tea.
Benefits:
There has not yet been a lot of research on what health benefits drinking blue cornflower can provide, although many people claim that it helps with a variety of ailments. Some of these ailments include fever, constipation, menstrual cycle symptoms, yeast infections, eye irritation, and congestion. While more research needs to be done to prove the effectiveness of these claims, the flower does have notable levels of flavonoids, anthocyanins and aromatic acids which have been proven to provide health benefits in similar plants. There are also potential health benefits to using blue cornflower topically which is making it a popular ingredient for skin care and cosmetics.
Flavor:
Blue cornflower’s flavor profile is smooth and spiced, similar to that of clove. This makes it a popular choice for not only tea but also pastries, cocktails, and even salads. In addition to its pleasant flavor, blue cornflower’s deep azure color adds a pop of color to otherwise bland looking food and drinks. Below are some of our favorite Hackberry teas that include this delectable flower!
Earl Grey: All three of our Earl Grey varieties include dried blue cornflower. They include our classic Earl Grey, Vanilla Earl Grey, and Lavender Earl Grey.
Blue Lady Black: If you enjoy a classic tea with a twist, then this is the blend for you! Some may say it is a brighter and more fruity variation of our Earl Grey Black.
Evening Peace & Quiet: This delicious tea is a delightful blend of blue cornflower, chamomile, hibiscus, mint, and lavender for an exciting flavor you won't soon forget. Perfect for anyone looking for 'a little something' at the end of the day, but would like to forgo any snacking or caffeine.
Mixed Berry Cream: A medley of berries and floral ingredients come together to create a tisane that is juicy, tart, and oh, so sweet! Plus, what pairs better with mixed berries than the decadent flavor of crème?
Blueberry Burst Green Rooibos: The aroma and sweet flavor of this tea is reminiscent of freshly baked blueberry muffins. Your senses will be satisfied with every whiff and sip.
Written by Kourtney Camm
