Butterfly pea tea, also known as blue butterfly pea tea or butterfly pea flower tea, is a herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the butterfly pea plant (Clitoria ternatea).
Originating from Southeast Asia, butterfly pea tea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a natural food coloring agent.
In recent years, it has gained popularity as a drink due to its unusual and vibrant blue hue.
But what does this trendy beverage actually taste like?
Let’s find out.
What is Butterfly Pea Tea?
As mentioned earlier, butterfly pea tea comes from the Clitoria ternatea plant. The plant is commonly found in tropical countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. The vibrant blue flowers of the plant are collected and dried to create the tea.
Butterfly pea tea not only looks beautiful but it also has many health benefits. It contains antioxidants that can help protect your body against oxidative stress and potential damage to your cells.
Additionally, it’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties that may help prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis or heart disease.
What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like?
The flavor profile of butterfly pea tea can be described as subtle and earthy with slight floral notes. When brewed on its own, there isn’t much of a distinct taste to the tea making it mildly sweet with no bitterness or acidity like in other teas.
However, when combined with other ingredients such as lemon juice or honey, it can alter the overall taste by adding slight sourness or sweetness respectively.
One unique aspect about this type of herbal tea compared to most others is that its taste completely dependent on what you combine it with rather than standing by itself without any added flavors.
Many experts compare its distinctive flavour to green peas mixed with grasses giving it an unusual combination between sweet – savory – grassy aroma!
How To Cook and Serve Butterfly Pea Tea?
Making a cup of Butterfly pea tea is simple.
You can follow the below recipe or experiment with your own preferences for taste:
- Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flower and add it to a teapot.
- Pour 8 ounces of boiling water over the flowers and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the flowers out and add honey, lemon or any other flavoring agent as desired.
Butterfly pea tea is served both hot and cold. To cool down, chill in the refrigerator or mix it with ice. You can even use butterfly pea tea as an ingredient in cocktails or as a natural dye for baked goods such as macarons!
How To Enhance The Taste of Butterfly Pea Tea?
While butterfly pea tea has a mild flavor on its own, it’s easy to enhance its taste by adding additional ingredients to your brew. Some of our favorite ways to mix up traditional blue tea flavors include:
Adding Lemon Juice
One classic way to enjoy Blue Butterfly Pea Tea is by adding some lemon juice, which radically changes the color from blue to purple. Lemon brings out refreshing sourness that enhances the earthy sweetness that blue herbal teas have.
Using Honey
Another popular way to enjoy blue Butterfly Pea Tea without reducing its strong aroma is simply added honey! It not only adds sweetness but also has antibacterial properties which help keep you healthy.
Mixing Other Herbs
Do you want more depth of flavor? Try mixing some additional herbs for an amazing twist in taste! Chamomile or peppermint will help soothe, ginger will add extra zestiness – Yum!
Is It Safe To Consume Butterfly Pea Tea?
Butterfly pea tea is generally safe for consumption except if you have low blood pressure since this type of flower diminishes it further.
However, pregnant women shouldn’t consume butterfly pea tea regularly as it can cause contractions and miscarriage. Similarly, if you have any allergies to this plant or similar plants, you should avoid consuming it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Pea Tea’s Flavor
Does butterfly pea tea taste bitter like black and green teas?
No, there is no bitterness in butterfly pea tea. That’s what makes it a rare type of herbal tea as the flavor completely depends on the combination of sweeteners, spices or any other added ingredients.
Can I drink butterfly pea tea without added ingredients for entirely natural experience?
Yes! You can enjoy your blue tea without any additional flavors as well! Try drinking it hot or cold; plain, either way will still not disappoint!
How long does the flavor last?
Typically butterfly pea flower tea lasts up to two days but after that time period has elapsed, many consider it past its prime and won’t taste as fresh.
Final Thoughts
Butterfly pea flower tea is a delicious and unusual type of herbal tea that has many potential health benefits to offer. It tastes earthy with subtle floral notes when brewed by itself but can be easily adjusted depending on your preferences by adding lemon juice for extra sourness or honey for sweetness.
It’s easy to make at home and even easier to experiment with by combining different flavors into one brew! If you’re an adventurous soul who loves trying new tastes then definitely give Butterfly Pea Tea a try —we promise you won’t regret tasting such a unique blend!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.