Butterfly pea flower tea

Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

A cup of butterfly pea flower tea

Butterfly pea flower tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or tisane, made from the infusion of the flower petals or whole flower of the Clitoria ternatea plant. This plant is commonly known as butterfly pea or blue pea. The tea is renowned for its vibrant blue color, which changes to purple when the acidity is altered, such as by adding lemon juice.

Description

The butterfly pea flower is native to Southeast Asia and is known for its striking blue color. The tea made from these flowers has been consumed for centuries in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It is often used in traditional medicine and as a natural food coloring.

The tea has a mild, earthy flavor and is often described as having a similar taste to green tea. It is typically served cold, but can also be enjoyed hot. The color-changing properties of the tea make it a popular choice for cocktails and other beverages.

Preparation

To prepare butterfly pea flower tea, dried or fresh flowers are steeped in hot water until the desired color and flavor are achieved. The tea can be sweetened with sugar or honey, and lemon juice is often added to enhance the flavor and change the color to a vibrant purple.

Butterfly pea flowers in Vietnam

Health Benefits

Butterfly pea flower tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are responsible for its blue color. These compounds are believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The tea is also thought to improve skin health, enhance cognitive function, and reduce stress.

Cultural Significance

In Thailand, butterfly pea flower tea is known as "nam dok anchan" and is often served with a slice of lemon or lime. In Malaysia, it is used to color rice dishes such as "nasi kerabu." The tea is also used in various ceremonies and is considered a symbol of hospitality.

Culinary Uses

Beyond its use as a tea, butterfly pea flowers are used to color a variety of foods and beverages. The flowers can be used to make blue rice, blue cocktails, and even blue desserts. The color-changing properties of the tea make it a popular choice for creative culinary presentations.

Butterfly pea flower tea served with lemon

Related Pages

• Clitoria ternatea
• Herbal tea
• Anthocyanin
• Traditional medicine

Gallery

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Color variations of butterfly pea flower extract

See Also

• List of herbal teas
• Natural food coloring