Butterfly Pea Tea

What is Butterfly Pea Tea?

Blue butterfly pea tea comes from the edible flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant. It’s also known as blue tea, blue butterfly pea flower tea, Asian pigeonwings, or Cordofan pea, and it’s part of the pea or legume family. The butterfly pea plant is native to countries in Southeast Asia where it’s been used for quite some time. But it’s only gained popularity in the United States and other western countries in the last few years. This is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be enjoyed at any time of the day!

What Does Blue Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like?

Some people have described it as similar to the earthy flavor of green tea. The woodsy flavor of blue flower tea isn’t super strong, so that’s why it’s a good idea to add extra flavors from other ingredients.

Other Ways to Use Blue Pea Flower Tea:

• Nasi Kerabu: In Malaysian cuisine they have a rice dish known as Nasi Kerabu, which contains blue rice colored with butterfly pea flowers! 

• Lavender Lemonade

• Iced Latte

• Natural Food Dye: Since blue butterfly pea flowers are such a vibrant blue color, you can use them as a natural food coloring. You could either use the powder form to add to cakes and frostings, or use really strongly brewed tea.

• Not only is this tea such a fun color from the bright blue petals, it also boasts some pretty cool health benefits as well. It’s rich in antioxidants, including an anthocyanin known as ternatin, which is what gives it that bright color. It contains other antioxidants, including EGCG, which is also found in green tea.

• Antioxidants have many health benefits, including alleviating oxidative stress on our bodies by combatting free radicals.

• Because of the antioxidant properties, butterfly pea tea could also help guard against cancer, support your immune system, reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, and more!

• One benefit that’s really fascinating  is the nootropic effect it can impart. Nootropics are substances that improve cognitive function including memory and attention. Some say you may experience vivid dreams after consuming blue butterfly pea tea.

For the Hot Tea:

• 4-8 dried butterfly pea flowers (2 teaspoons)

• 1 cup boiling water

• Lemon or Lime Juice (optional)

• Maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup (optional)

1. Place the dried flowers in a tea strainer. Place in a 10-12 ounce mug. Pour the boiling water on top. Place a heat-proof plate on top of the mug to trap the heat.

2. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove the tea strainer.

3. Add lemon or lime juice and sweetener to taste if you like.

For the Iced Tea:

• 2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers

• 1/2 cup boiling water

• 1/2 cup cold water

• Ice cubes

• Lemon or Lime Juice (optional)

• Maple syrup, honey, or simple syrup (optional)

1. Place the dried flowers in a tea strainer. Place in a 10-12 ounce mug. Pour the boiling water on top. Place a heat-proof plate on top of the mug to trap the heat.

2. Allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. Remove the tea strainer.

3. Place ice cubes in a 12 ounce cup. Add the cold water on top. Pour the brewed tea on top and stir.

4. Add lemon or lime juice and sweetener to taste if you like.

For the Latte:

• 1 teaspoons butterfly pea flower powder

• 1 tablespoon hot water

• 1-2 teaspoons sweetener of choice

• a few drops almond extract (optional)

• 1 cup whole milk

1. Place the butterfly pea powder and hot water in a 12 ounce mug. Whisk until completely smooth.

2. Add almond extract and sweetener if desired.

3. Heat and froth the milk and pour over the butterfly pea tea in the mug. Enjoy!