Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

What is Butterfly Pea Tea?

Butterfly Pea tea, also known as Clitoria ternatea tea, is an herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the Butterfly Pea plant native to Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive deep blue color, which is due to the presence of anthocyanin pigments in the flowers. Butterfly Pea flowers have been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine for its potential health benefits.

What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like?

When brewed, butterfly pea tea has a mild and slightly earthy flavor with a subtle bitter note that is similar to green tea. The tea has a smooth and refreshing taste that is not overpowering, making it a perfect base for making different beverages. It has a versatility that allows it to be mixed with other herbal teas, creating a blend of unique flavors. Some people prefer to add honey or sugar to butterfly pea tea to give it a sweet twist. Others add citrus fruits such as lime to this tea, which can cause the blue hue to change into a purple tint. It can be served both hot or cold, making it a perfect iced tea.

How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea

To make butterfly pea flower tea, steep 3 gram of flowers for 5 minutes in a teapot with 500ml (17 oz) water at 100ºC (212ºF). The infusion can be enjoyed as is or used as a base for other beverages and cocktails. It is often served with a squeeze of lemon juice, which turns the blue tea into a lovely shade of purple.

Cocktail Recipe

To begin, steep butterfly pea flowers, mint leaves, and sugar in hot water for 5 minutes. Once the infusion is complete, strain it through a fine mesh strainer into an ice-filled pitcher, and let it cool. For the best results, store the tea in the refrigerator for 2 hours. When you are ready to serve the tea, simply pour the blue infusion into a tall glass filled with ice, leaving about an inch of room at the top. To add a touch of tropical flair to this drink, we recommend adding a splash of rum to the glass and stirring. For a fun twist on the classic mojito cocktail, layer fresh lime juice on top of the rum without stirring. This technique will create a beautiful ombre effect in the glass. Once you have completed this step, serve the drink with a spoon or straw and give it a gentle stir before enjoying.

Boba Recipe

Prepare the Butterfly Pea tea as explained above and let it cool in the refrigerator. In the meantime, boil a pot of water and add tapioca pearls. Cover the pot and cook the pearls according to the instructions on the package - the cook time can vary between brands, taking as little as three minutes or as long as twenty. After cooking, take the pot off the heat and let the pearls remain in the pot for another five minutes.

Next, drain the cooking water and immerse the pearls in a bowl filled with cold water. Wait for them to cool for twenty seconds before straining the water once more. Once they have been drained again, mix the tapioca balls with either maple syrup, golden syrup, or a sugar syrup made by boiling 40g (1.2 oz) of brown sugar in 120ml (4.2 fl oz) of water until it reaches a syrupy consistency.

To assemble the blue bubble tea, distribute the tapioca balls evenly among tall glasses and add coconut milk. Finally, pour the chilled butterfly pea tea on top of the pearls and milk, stir well, and serve with ice cubes. Consume this delightful butterfly pea boba tea with a straw, scooping up the boba pearls with a spoon. Enjoy the delicious and refreshing mixture!

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Benefits & Side Effects

Butterfly pea flower tea has several health benefits that have been recognized for centuries in traditional medicine. It is rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which can help to protect the body against free radical damage and reduce inflammation. This tea also contains flavonoids, which have been shown to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.

Additionally, butterfly pea flower tea has been found to have positive effects on brain function. It contains compounds that are believed to improve cognitive function, memory, and attention span. Some studies have also suggested that it may improve mood and reduce anxiety and stress levels.

One of the most commonly reported side effects of butterfly pea tea is digestive issues. Some people may experience bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort after drinking this tea. This could be because of its tannin content, which can irritate the digestive system in some people.

Moreover, butterfly pea tea has been shown to have hypotensive properties, which means it can lower blood pressure levels. While this could be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure, it could also be harmful for those with normal or low blood pressure levels. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before consuming butterfly pea tea if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.