Ultra Violet 18-3838 was just announced as Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018. We had mixed feelings about the vibrant hue at first, but Pantone’s explanation for their selection totally redeems it by TCM terms:

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is ingenious to Pantone Ultra Violet 18-3838, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy, to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come”

We’re expecting to see the color pop up in interesting ways in the upcoming months, not least of which is this super cool, superfood floral tea made with butterfly pea! Here’s what you need to know…

What You Should Know: Native to Southeast Asia, butterfly pea tea has been used for centuries as a deeply healing herbal beverage (and plant-based food and clothing dye).The taste is usually described as “earthy,” and similar to the flavor of unsweetened green tea. It can be served hot or cold, and is often mixed with honey and a hit of fresh lemon juice. We can also imagine it perfectly as a pretty colored cocktail or mocktail base.

Why You Should Try It: First of all, it’s beautiful and impressive to serve up! The health benefits of butterfly pea tea are prolific: regular consumption helps reduce inflammation, detoxes our bodies, enhances eye health, boosts brain health, fights against certain types of cancers (it’s got major antioxidant power), and has even been studied for its ability to help protect the skin against premature aging (according to one study’s summary, “it fights against glycation, which is protein damage caused by an influx of sugar molecules”).

Let’s Get Together: To make the tea, add a few dried flowers (4 or 5 buds per serving) to a french press, tea pot or tea ball. Steep in hot water for up to 10 minutes. The butterfly pea tea is naturally a gorgeous deep blue color — but that’s not even the coolest part. The color will change based on the pH level of whatever is added next. Squeeze in some lemon or add in a bit of citrus juice, and the blue will instantly change to a Pantone-perfect shade of purple!

For those who aren’t ready to jet-set to Asia, butterfly pea tea can be purchased online here.

Discover more amazing natural ingredients with our Superfood Spotlight series.