Have you heard people talking about the awesomeness of blue tea? Blue tea is the informal name of butterfly pea flower tea, which has grabbed the attention of tea drinkers and the health-conscious individuals everywhere. So, what is butterfly pea flower?
Butterfly Pea Flower Origins
The butterfly pea flower comes from Southeast Asia. It grows on a vine and is regarded as a healing plant, boasting a long list of Ayurvedic properties. In case you aren’t familiar with Ayurveda, it’s one of the world’s oldest holistic, alternative medical practices with centuries-old roots in India that focuses on cleansing the body and restoring balance to the mind, body, and spirit. The plant was frequently grown in temples, used in Hindu worship rituals, and is a highly respected pretty blue flower.
What Are the Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower?
As previously mentioned, this flower has long been prized for its medicinal properties. Like green teas, it is rich in antioxidants and is naturally caffeine-free. It is also packed with the catechin EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) along with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting elements such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols. It also contains collagen-like properties that are beneficial to your hair, skin, and nails. In other words, stuff that’s good for you!
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, however, it is recommended that you avoid butterfly pea flower due to the lack of studies on the effects of the plant on these groups. Also, the flowers have been known to cause uterine contractions.
What Does Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Taste Like?
Before you can taste it, you need to brew it! Steep your Butterfly Pea Flower Tea with 212° F water for five minutes. Your brewed cup of beautiful blue tea will have a mild, earthy flavor with an aroma akin to whole wheat pancakes and maple syrup … in other words, delicious! It has a medium body and, because it is a tisane, is naturally caffeine-free.
If you want to branch out and try other teas with butterfly pea flower, our Indigo Punch is a great option. We blend the butterfly pea flower with hibiscus, lemongrass, lemon peel, rosehips, apple pieces, raspberry, and honey flavors. We also have a totally refreshing Butterfly Flower Lemonade, as well as our Rest Butterfly Lemonade from our sister company, The Hemp Division. It contains 15 MG of CBD for an extra wellness boost.
I Say Blue Tea, You Say Purple!
Butterfly pea flower tea is everyone’s favorite tea party magic trick. When you add some acid – lemon juice is the most common – to the brewed tea, the beautiful blue hue turns purple. Tah dah!
Another fun fact: the mineral content of your water source will also affect the color of your brewed butterfly pea flower tea. If you compare the color of your brewed butterfly pea flower tea to the pictures of ours on our website and it doesn’t look the same, try a different water source. We used locally sourced spring water from the Berkshires for very clean, crisp, clear water.
Ready to whip up something fun and delicious? Try this mouthwatering, eye-pleasing, lovely latte.
Ingredients:
- 6 tsp. (1/8 C or 6 sachets) loose Indigo Punch
- 16 oz. (2 C) water
- 8 oz. (1 C) coconut milk, or almond milk, or oat milk – your preference
- Honey or other sweetener like maple syrup, to taste
- A dash of ground cinnamon (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Steep the Indigo Punch in water heated to 212° F for 5 minutes. Remove the sachets or infuser and let cool completely.
- Warm your milk with the cinnamon (if using) in the microwave for 45-60 seconds. If you prefer, warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles begin to form around the edges.
- Dip the frothing wand in the milk and whisk by swirling the wand continuously for up to a minute or until it’s frothed at the top.
- Pour the honey or other sweetener into a tall serving glass, add ice cubes, cooled pea tea, and top with the frothed milk. Stir and serve immediately.
