Step into the whimsical world of Moominvalley with every single sip!
If you’ve laid eyes on our enchanting new Moomin Berry Basket Matcha Blend, you might be wondering: how on earth did it get that beautifully vibrant purple hue? Is it magic? It’s spirulina! But what is spirulina?
At Bird & Blend, we don’t just make tea; we’re alchemists at heart. Our blending kitchen is a place of constant experimentation, where we spend our days dreaming up ways to bring stories to life through the magic of matcha. We were determined to create a blend that captured the untamed, bountiful spirit of a Moominvalley harvest, something that felt as adventurous as it was delicious.
We knew we wanted it to taste like the wild berries that Moominmamma might use for her legendary jams, but we wanted the appearance to be just as immersive. We needed a splash of colour that felt truly fairytale. That’s when we remembered spirulina, & it was the absolute perfect fit for our Moomin project.
So, what is spirulina? Don’t let the name fool you; spirulina is actually a blue-green algae. It’s been a treasure in our pantry for a while, but it wasn't until we experimented with the berry notes of this blend that we realised the incredible potential of this superfood to change the colour of matcha.
Why Does Spirulina Turn Purple?
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that naturally contains phycocyanin, a blue pigment. When mixed with specific acidic ingredients or other compounds, such as the natural berry flavouring in our Moomin blend, the chemical balance can shift to create a stunning, vibrant purple hue. It's a beautiful example of nature's chemistry at work!
What Does It Taste Like?
Spirulina has a mild, earthy, & slightly grassy flavour profile, often described as similar to nori or seaweed. Because it is used in small amounts in our matcha blend, its subtle flavour complements the matcha without overpowering it, letting the vibrant berry notes shine through.
What does spirulina actually contain?
Spirulina is widely considered to be a nutrient-dense superfood. It is considered a complete plant-based protein source, meaning it may contain all essential amino acids. It is also thought to be packed with vitamins (such as B-vitamins), minerals (like iron & magnesium), & powerful antioxidants like phycocyanin, which gives it its signature blue-green colour.
What are the benefits of spirulina?
Spirulina is highly regarded for its potential health benefits. It is thought to be rich in antioxidants, which may help fight oxidative stress & support immune function. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It's high nutrient content also makes it a popular choice for supporting daily energy levels & overall well-being.
We hope this has helped you answer the question ‘what is spirulina?’. If you have any further questions, pop us an email at info@birdandblendtea.com, & we will do our best to help!
To experience the full Moomin-inspired magic, we highly recommend whisking it up as a refreshing iced matcha latte.
For an extra touch of dreaminess, why not top it with a fluffy lilac cold foam? It’s light, fun, & the perfect way to romanticise your morning routine.
Grab your favourite cutesy crockery & take a magical sip today!
