Do you love a hot cup of tea, but are bored with the same old black and green teas? Then butterfly pea tea is just what the doctor ordered! You might have seen this bright blue herbal drink served at trendy cafes around the country, or just heard about it from friends. Well, here’s your chance to learn all about this delightful brew – from its long-standing history in Asian cultures to its many health benefits. From understanding what sets it apart from other brewed beverages, to exploring how best to make and enjoy it – join us as we dive into 6 things you don’t know about Butterfly Pea Tea!
What Is Butterfly Pea Tea?
Butterfly Pea Tea is a herbal tea made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, which are native to Southeast Asia. It has long been used in traditional medicine systems across the region and is gaining popularity as an alternative to more common teas, like green tea and black tea. The tea is a vibrant blue color, due to its rich concentration of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid known for its antioxidant properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
The flavor of Butterfly Pea Tea has been described as earthy, grassy and slightly sweet. It can be brewed either hot or cold depending on preference. When added to hot water it produces a deep blue hue that can be further enhanced by adding a lemon or lime juice to impart a light purple coloration. This same effect can also be achieved with honey or other acidic ingredients such as orange juice.
Butterfly Pea Tea offers several potential health benefits due to its high content of nutrients, including antioxidants and polyphenols. It has been studied for its ability to reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function and protect against certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally it may help improve skin health by providing vitamin C, helping promote collagen production and protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
One of the most interesting aspects of Butterfly Pea Tea is its adaptogen status – meaning it helps the body cope with stress in different ways depending on individual needs. For example, if someone is feeling overly anxious or depressed, drinking this tea may help them relax; whereas someone who needs an extra boost of energy might find it gives them the alertness they need for their daily tasks. In addition to being enjoyed by itself, Butterfly Pea Tea is sometimes combined with other herbs like lemongrass or lavender for additional flavor and therapeutic benefits.
The History of Butterfly Pea Tea
Origins
Butterfly pea tea, known as “blue tea,” is a caffeine-free herbal tea brewed from dried butterfly pea flowers. This tea has been used in Southeast Asia for centuries, primarily in Thailand and Malaysia. The native people of these countries would use the butterfly pea flower to dye foods and drinks blue, a practice that predates written records. In traditional Chinese medicine, this flower has been used to treat various illnesses such as insomnia, hypertension, and anxiety. It’s also said to improve circulation and detoxify the body. This tea has become popular in recent years due to its vibrant color and potential health benefits.
Health Benefits
The most well-known health benefit of butterfly pea tea is its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that drinking this type of tea can reduce inflammation in the body caused by arthritis or other conditions. Additionally, it’s packed with antioxidants which can help protect your cells from free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress on the body. Other potential health benefits include reducing blood pressure levels, strengthening bones, improving digestion, aiding weight loss efforts, and boosting brain function.
Brewing Method
Brewing butterfly pea tea is fairly simple—all you need is hot water and dried butterfly pea flowers or leaves (available at most health food stores). Place 1 teaspoon of dried flowers or leaves in 8 ounces of hot (not boiling) water for at least 5 minutes or until desired strength is reached. You may want to steep the flowers several times before discarding them to get more flavor out of the brew. If desired, you can sweeten with honey or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
Flavor Profile
Butterfly pea tea has a mild earthy taste with subtle floral notes. Some people have likened it to green tea but without any bitterness or astringency often associated with green teas. Because of its naturally sweet flavor profile, this herbal infusion pairs nicely with honey or other sweeteners such as stevia for those looking to add some sweetness without adding calories. Additionally, lemon adds a nice brightness to this refreshing beverage while still retaining its unique flavor profile making it an ideal summertime beverage!
How Is Butterfly Pea Tea Made
Butterfly pea flowers, also known as Clitoria ternatea, are an herb native to Southeast Asia that has recently been gaining more attention in the Western world. This traditional herbal tea is packed with antioxidants and has a variety of health benefits including improving brain function, reducing inflammation and blood sugar levels, and protecting against heart disease. In addition to its health benefits, butterfly pea tea has a delightful flavor and vibrant blue color when brewed. Making this delicious yet healthy tea is surprisingly simple.
Ingredients
To make butterfly pea tea you will need butterfly pea flowers, water, and if desired honey or another natural sweetener for added sweetness. The flowers can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
Instructions
Start by bringing 2 cups of filtered water to a rolling boil in a pot on the stove or kettle. Once boiling reduce the heat to simmering and add 1 teaspoon of dried butterfly pea flower petals into the hot water. Allow it to steep for about 5 minutes before turning off the heat and straining out the petals through a fine mesh sieve into another pot or cup. Sweeten your tea with honey or other natural sweeteners if desired before serving hot or pouring over ice for a cooling summer beverage.
Adding Citrus
For added flavor you can also add lemon juice or citrus fruit slices while steeping your tea for additional nutrients and antioxidants as well as adding a refreshing tartness to the drink. Simply squeeze the juice from half a lemon into the pot when you add your petals prior to steeping then strain out both when ready to serve. Or, alternatively, add thin slices of any citrus fruit while steeping then strain out prior to serving.
The Color Change
One of the most unique features of this amazing herbal tea is its incredible color change reaction when mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or other citrus fruits juices! When mixed with these ingredients it changes from its naturally deep blue hue into a beautiful purple shade within seconds! This magical transformation makes not only for beautiful pictures but also an interesting experience every time you brew yourself some butterfly pea flower tea!
How Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste?
Butterfly pea tea has a distinctive taste that many people find pleasing. It has a nutty, earthy flavor with hints of sweet floral undertones that is reminiscent of oolong tea. It can be enjoyed both hot and cold and is often used in cocktails as a natural food colorant due to its blue hue. The taste and color of the tea are attributed to the flower petals which are used to make it.
When brewed correctly, butterfly pea tea should have an incredibly vibrant blue-purple color. When you add some citrus juice or honey to it, it will transform into various shades of pink and purple depending on how much is added. As for its taste, many people describe it as having a light floral flavor with hints of sweetness, earthiness, and nuttiness. Some also detect hints of grass and honey in the aftertaste which makes for a very pleasant experience overall.
Some like to enjoy their cup of butterfly pea tea hot while others prefer to drink it cold – the choice depends on your preference! When drinking it hot, you can expect the beverage’s flavor to become more intense in comparison to when drinking it cold where its more mellow tones come alive. Despite being naturally caffeine-free, butterfly pea tea still offers a slight energizing effect as well as antioxidant properties that can boost your immune system health, reduce inflammation and even help prevent certain diseases such as diabetes and cancer due to its high levels of flavonoids.
Overall, butterfly pea tea is an enjoyable beverage that not only looks beautiful but tastes delicious too! Its unique flavor profile is one that should be experienced by all who love herbal teas – so why not give it a try?
6 Benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Butterfly pea tea is packed with powerful antioxidants that can help you fight off the effects of aging, protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and improve your overall health. The polyphenols found in this herbal tea are thought to be especially beneficial for its antioxidant power, helping to scavenge free radicals that can lead to cell damage and other chronic diseases. Additionally, research also suggests that butterfly pea tea may have anti-tumor properties which could potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers.
2. Supports Heart Health
The polyphenols found in butterfly pea tea are thought to help protect the cardiovascular system by improving blood flow, reducing cholesterol levels, and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries. This effect can be further enhanced when it is consumed along with foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish or flax seeds. Drinking butterfly pea tea regularly may also help lower blood pressure and improve overall circulation throughout your body.
3. Boosts Brain Function
Studies have shown that consuming butterfly pea tea may help improve cognitive function and memory recall while decreasing mental fatigue and improving alertness. The antioxidants present in this herbal tea have been linked to improved nerve cell communication throughout the brain as well as enhanced mental clarity and concentration over time. Additionally, some studies suggest that drinking butterfly pea tea could enhance creativity and productivity due to its calming effects on the mind.
4. Enhances Digestion
Butterfly pea tea contains bioactive compounds that can promote healthy digestion by stimulating digestive juices being released into the stomach lining for better nutrient absorption and waste elimination from the body. It has also been used historically to treat nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues due to its anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce irritation along the digestive tract walls.
5. Improves Immunity
Butterfly pea tea has been traditionally used as an immune system booster due to its antiviral, antibiotic, antioxidative and antifungal activity against harmful bacteria located in our bodies like E coli or Salmonella Typhimurium which can cause food poisoning or other illnesses if left unchecked over time. Its powerful components can even ward off common colds and allergies while providing overall protection against various diseases which makes it especially great for people who tend to get sick easily or those looking for natural methods of keeping their immune system strong year-round.
6 . Natural Energy Booster
Not only does drinking a cup of butterfly pea tea provide you with a natural surge of energy but it also helps support healthy metabolism without any added sugars or calories making it a great alternative for those looking for healthier options than coffee or soda when it comes time to stay energized throughout their day! Unlike these beverages though – this herbal beverage still offers up calming sedative effects which allows you to relax without feeling overly stimulated after consumption unlike caffeine-containing drinks would often do instead!
Tips for Preparing Butterfly Pea Tea
Paragraph 1 – How to Choose Butterfly Pea Flowers
When preparing butterfly pea tea, it is important to find the highest quality of butterfly pea flowers. To do this, one should look for bright blue petals that are free from any discoloration or wilting. The flower should also have a strong aroma and flavor of the tea. When purchasing the flowers, make sure to get them from a reliable source since they can be sensitive and easily degraded over time. It’s also best to purchase organic ones when available, as this will ensure no chemicals or pesticides have been used in their cultivation.
Paragraph 2 – Preparation of Butterfly Pea Tea
Once you’ve gathered up your butterfly pea flowers, the next step is to prepare them for making tea. First, separate the stems from the petals before measuring out around two teaspoons of petals per cup of water. Next, bring the cup of water to a rolling boil before adding in the flower petals and allowing them to steep for 3-5 minutes. After that, strain out any remaining petals and pour your tasty butterfly pea tea into a cup.
Paragraph 3 – Flavoring Your Butterfly Pea Tea
If you’d like a more flavorful cup of butterfly pea tea, there are several ways you can go about flavoring it. Honey and lemon are two popular options that can add some sweetness and tartness respectively; both will also work towards bringing out more of the subtle floral notes in your tea as well. Coconut milk is another great way to add some creaminess and richness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the tea itself. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with other fruits or herbs such as mint or ginger for an even tastier treat!
How to Store Butterfly Pea Tea?
When it comes to storing Butterfly Pea Tea, the best way is to keep it in a cool, dry place. Many people choose an airtight container as this will help prevent moisture or oxygen from entering and degrading the flavor of the tea. It’s important to make sure that the lid of the container is tightly sealed so that no bugs or other pests can get in and contaminate the tea. Additionally, it’s also important to make sure that the container is not exposed to direct sunlight as this can cause some of the beneficial compounds in the tea to break down.
For maximum freshness, store Butterfly Pea Tea in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry. It’s wise to consume any opened packages of tea within two weeks for optimal flavor and health benefits. Furthermore, if you don’t plan on using your Butterfly Pea Tea right away after opening it, you can consider freezing it for up to six months for extended shelf life. When ready to use again just let thaw at room temperature before drinking. Finally, make sure not to overfill your storage containers as this could cause airflow issues which can lead to an unpleasant taste when consuming your tea.
Conclustion
Butterfly Pea Tea is quickly becoming a popular beverage choice around the world. With its vibrant blue color and fantastic flavor, it is no surprise why more and more people are making this drink part of their daily routine. Not only does it taste good but also offers a number of beneficial health effects. The quick and easy preparation method makes it an ideal option for busy individuals looking to enjoy this delicious beverage. Butterfly Pea tea can be made from either fresh or dried flowers and stored in several different ways including refrigeration or freezing. All you need is access to the flower for an amazing cup of tea anytime you like! So try out some Butterfly Pea Tea today to experience all of its benefits for yourself!
