Nymphaea nouchali — known in Sri Lanka as Nil Manel, the blue water lily — is the national flower of the island, and has been a presence in its ponds, temple gardens and literature for centuries. Lakpura's dehydrated Blue Lotus Flowers are made from this single plant: whole flowers of 100% pure organic Ceylon Blue Lotus, freshly picked, then carefully dried and sealed at source in Sri Lanka.
The flower itself is a day-bloomer, opening with the first light of the sun and closing at dusk. Its petals range from pale blue to purplish-blue, surrounding a radiant yellow centre — and that colour survives the dehydration process well enough that a single flower, dropped into a cup, turns the water a visible shade of blue. The packaging notes that the blue petals add visual appeal, which is understating it. The plant belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae and grows as a freshwater perennial in shallow water bodies, rooting at the bottom and floating its leaves on the surface. It is native to Sri Lanka and found more broadly across southern and eastern Asia.
Each pack contains whole dehydrated flowers suitable for use as whole blooms, loose petals or in tea bags, according to the label. The single ingredient is 100% pure organic Ceylon Blue Lotus (Nymphaea nouchali) flowers — nothing added. Preparation is straightforward: boil fresh water, place one dried flower in a cup, pour the water over it and allow it to steep for at least five minutes, pressing the flower gently with a spoon to draw out more of its character. The flower is then removed and the tea drunk hot or over ice, plain or with honey or lemon.
The product is certified to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and carries the EDB mark of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. It is produced by Lakpura Solutions (Pvt) Ltd in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, and distributed internationally by Lakpura LLC. The option ladder runs from 25g through to 250g, so whether you are buying to try or stocking a pantry, there is a pack size to suit. Store the flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to keep them in good condition between uses.
