In 2015 on our trip to Thailand we ventured through lots of busy marketplaces sampling the most delicious foods and drinks it had to offer (to this day is still our favourite travel destination). Towards the end of our trip, we discovered by accident an amazing tea that naturally brewed a vibrant blue hue! We had never seen this type of tea before, it was so mesmerizingly beautiful. It reminded me of the crystal clear ocean in Phi Phi Islands.

We later found out it was called Butterfly Pea Tea and that it turned purple with a drop of lemon. Desperate to find out where we could get more, we contacted our family in Thailand who put us in contact with local suppliers. This was how we created Crystal Blue Tea!

So what is Butterfly Pea Flower?

Butterfly pea tea is a natural flower often known as Clitoria ternatea, Clitoria flower, Asian Pigeonwing or Blue pea. It is best grown in South East Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. The vibrant blue flower is often used in hot or cold tea, cooking and health related products. 

Although butterfly pea is often associated to tea, it isn't technically a tea like green tea or black tea which is derived from a plant called Camellia Sinensis. It's actually a "herbal infusion" or a "tisane" which the same can be said about mint tea or chamomile tea. This also means it is caffeine free and can be consumed any time of day. 

Image Source: Wikimedia

Why is Butterfly Pea blue in colour?

The butterfly pea flower petals itself is naturally blue and air dried so when it steeps in hot water (or cold - longer process), it releases an intense blue colour. In technical terms, it contains "anthocyanins" which are naturally occurring plant pigments. Anthocyanin is derived from the word anthos (flower) and kuanos (blue). This is also what gives fruits like blueberries, blackberries, eggplants and cabbage the same beautiful blue/purple colour along with its powerful antioxidant properties for health. 

Image Source: @shelovesblooms

 

Why does butterfly pea tea change colour?

Here's the science behind the magic sorcery! As mentioned previously, this blue butterfly pea tea contains "anthocyanins" and the stability of its colour is dependent on the pH. This means if you add something acidic (lowering the pH of the tea), it will change colour to a violet purple! This is great for creating your own litmus test for the kids to show the difference between acidic and alkaline substances! Or you can just say you have magical powers when you show your friends! 

What does Butterfly Pea Tea taste like?

Butterfly pea tea on its own has been said to taste "earthy" however the Crystal Blue Tea blend has included lemongrass and pandan (sweet tasting leaf used in many Thai desserts and cooking). This creates a mildly sweet taste and once a drop of lemon is added, many say it tastes like the rainbow coloured cereal Froot Loops! 

Image Source: Karen Chau

What are the health benefits of Butterfly Pea Tea?

Butterfly pea flower is an ancient herbal plant that contains one of the highest source of anthocyanin antioxidants. In Ayurvedic medicine it is highly renowned for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in Asia to improve circulation to the skin, hair and eyes. 

It also has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, reduce stress and anxiety to assist in overall wellness. 

While it is know that foods/beverages high in antioxidants like anthocyanins are nutritious and great for our health, only 3% of fruits and vegetables consumed were blue or purple [1]. 

What can Butterfly Pea Tea be used for?

Blue Drinks

- Butterfly Pea Iced Tea: Traditionally in Thailand, the butterfly pea flower tea is served as a welcome iced tea drink (along with a teaspoon of honey and squeeze of lemon over ice).

- Blue Hot tea: This can also be consumed hot with some honey and lemon.

- Blue Butterfly Pea Lattes: To create the same coffee art effect, add butterfly pea powder to frothy milk and create cool art in your mug!

- Cocktails: Bartenders from all over the world are using our butterfly pea flowers to create a natural blue effect in their cocktails. You can add this in gin, vodka and many more!

Image Source: Teatini

Food

Nowadays, with the popularity of rainbow coloured foods, the ability to naturally dye your food blue without the use of artificial colours has prompted the rise in use of butterfly pea tea as seen on Instagram. For cooking, the blue butterfly pea powder version of the flower (grounded up into powder form) is best used as it allows you to add it directly to food instead of brewing it in water first. 

- Blue Smoothies Bowls 

Image Source : Naturally.jo

- Blue Chia Seed Parfaits

Image Source: Healthy Eating Jo

- Blue Rice

- Blue Vegan Cakes

- Blue Butterfly Pea Jelly

How do you brew Butterfly Pea Tea?

For a standard cup of tea (250ml), add 3-4 pieces of butterfly pea flower in boiling water and let it steep for approx. 10 minutes. This should result in a nice deep blue hue. For lighter blue, add less flowers or add more flowers for a darker blue. 

For Crystal Blue Tea, the same recipe applies. Add 1 heaped tablespoon of tea into a cup making sure there are roughly 3-4 butterfly pea flowers in there. As the lemongrass and pandan leaves are bigger and takes up more space (compared to smaller cut leaves of green or black teas), you may want to add more to bring out more flavour. 

Image Source : Jordaaaan_

 

When should you drink Butterfly Pea Tea?

As it is a herbal tea with no caffeine, you can drink it any time of day without the fear of being up all night! Many people like to drink this blue pea tea after a session of yoga, meditation, massage and spa as it helps with improving circulation to the body. It helps to soothe and relax your mind and body.  

 

Is butterfly pea tea safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Although this is a herbal tea, it is recommended not to be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

There are a select few teas that are suitable and great for pregnant women's health, for example Rooibos Tea, which can be found here.

 

Is Butterfly Pea tea available in Coles or Woolworths?

While Coles and Woolworths may stock many tea bags and loose leaf tea, they currently do not stock any blue butterfly pea tea. 

 

Where do you buy Organic Butterfly Pea Tea?

While you can get dried butterfly pea flowers on their own, the taste may be underwhelming considering the taste is very mild, grassy and earthy. For me personally, adding other flavours to complement the blue pea tea is a great way to enhance the flavour while enjoying its wonderful health benefits. 

This is where Crystal Blue Tea combines the amazing blue butterfly pea flower with organic Australian grown lemon myrtle and ginger to give you a refreshing tea you can enjoy warm or iced.

Get your amazing Butterfly Pea Tea here.

 

 

 

 

 

References

[1] http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/030314p20.shtml