Have you tried our new butterfly pea flower tea? This caffeine-free herbal tea is made from the butterfly pea flower, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea. The genus “Clitoria” comes from the Greek word “kleitoris,” which refers to the shape of the flower resembling female genitalia. The common name butterfly pea doesn’t refer to butterflies being attracted to it, but the shape of the flower petals.
Butterfly pea flowers are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanin compounds called ternatins that give them that gorgeous blue hue. Antioxidants help reduce damage to the body by free radicals, which can reduce inflammation and signs of aging.
The flowers can be brewed into a beautiful blue tea, which turns purple when an acidic ingredient such as citrus juice is added. The tea has a mild, earthy flavor with subtle floral notes and a touch of sweetness. Most folks compare it to chamomile tea.
The flowers can also be used as a natural food coloring and in many culinary applications. For example (see below for some photo inspiration):
- For tea, use 3-5 flowers, steep in 212°F water for 3 minutes (use 6-8 blooms for a deeper blue)
- Steep flowers in water or milk and add to doughs and pastries
- Add flowers directly into water while cooking boiled ingredients, e.g. rice or noodles
- Infuse flowers directly into liqueurs and spirits
Find dried butterfly pea flowers in our bulk tea section!
Watch the video below of our demonstration of how butterfly pea flower tea changes colors:
