Are you craving an exciting milk tea flavor? Look no further! Introducing Butterfly Pea Milk Tea – an enchanting beverage that will take your taste buds on a delightful and colorful ride.
Not only is this magical concoction a visual treat, but it also offers many health benefits. Bursting with antioxidants from the butterfly pea flower, this milk tea promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and even improves cognitive function.
Please keep reading to learn about butterfly pea tea and how to incorporate it into drinks.
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Description of Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Butterfly pea milk tea is a vibrant blue tea that looks stunning and tastes fantastic. It gets its magic color from the butterfly pea flower, a popular ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes.
When you first see this milk tea, you might think the bright blue color is just for show, but it’s natural. The butterfly pea flower gives the tea its beautiful hue. The taste of the tea itself is reminiscent of a mild green tea, with hints of floral undertones.
To make this healthy drink, simply steep butterfly pea flowers in hot water, then add your choice of milk and sweetener. Some people enjoy it as a cold, frothy beverage, while others like it hot and soothing, especially during cooler weather.
The term “milk tea” is often understood as bubble tea or boba tea. Therefore, many enjoy this tea cold with tapioca pearls or other toppings.
Color-Changing Properties
As you steep the blue butterfly pea flowers in water, the liquid’s pH level determines your tea’s final color. The natural pH of the steeped flower is slightly acidic, which creates the vibrant blue hue that blue tea and blue matcha are known for. When you add milk to the mix, the acidity slightly decreases, causing the color to change.
The color-changing properties of butterfly pea tea can be easily observed by altering the liquid’s acidity. If you make your tea more acidic, for example, by adding some lemon juice, the color will magically transform from blue to a lovely shade of purple. Conversely, if you increase the alkalinity by adding baking soda, you might notice a shift toward a greenish tint.
Origin and Cultivation
You might be curious about the origins of butterfly pea milk tea. Well, it all starts with the beautiful blue butterfly pea flowers. These flowers come from the Clitoria ternatea plant, also known as Asian pigeonwings, native to Southeast Asia.
The butterfly pea plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, and the people of Southeast Asia have been cultivating it for centuries. It’s not just a pretty plant, though — its flowers are packed with natural blue pigment, which gives the tea its signature color. Plus, they’re known for their potential health benefits and various applications in traditional medicine.
Growing the butterfly pea plant is quite simple. This hardy plant requires minimal attention, making it a great addition to any garden in suitable climates. You only need to provide it with well-draining soil, moderate sunlight, and occasional watering. Before you know it, you’ll have gorgeous blue butterfly pea flowers ready to be harvested for tea!
In addition to being used for tea, the blue butterfly pea flowers and Clitoria ternatea plant have found their way into various culinary applications, such as rice dishes and even cocktails. It’s versatility and captivating color makes it stand out from the crowd.
Making Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
This section will walk you through creating your butterfly pea milk tea recipe.
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon butterfly pea flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup milk (of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or sweetener (optional)
- Ice (for a cold version)
- Boba pearls (optional)
Start by steeping the butterfly pea flowers. Please place them in a tea strainer and pour hot water over them. Allow the flowers to steep for about 3-5 minutes. The steep time can be adjusted based on your preferences for color and taste. You should see the color develop into a beautiful blue hue. Once you’re satisfied, remove the tea strainer.
While the herbal infusion is happening, you can prepare the boba pearls to add to your butterfly pea bubble tea. Cook the pearls according to the package instructions and set them aside.
Next, heat the milk in a saucepan or microwave until it’s warm but not boiling. Add the sweetener of your choice and stir until it’s dissolved. Taste the milk mixture and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Now, it’s time to assemble your drink recipe. If you’re making a cold version of this milk tea, fill a glass halfway with ice and boba pearls if desired. Pour the infused tea over the ice, followed by the sweetened milk. Enjoy the stunning color gradient before giving it a good stir for an even flavor.
Pour the herbal infusion into a cup, followed by the sweetened milk for a hot version. Boba can still be added to the hot butterfly pea milk tea, but it’s less common than in a cold version.
Enjoy your milk tea!
Creating Variations of Butterfly Pea Milk Tea
Butterfly pea milk tea can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few variations of this captivating drink:
Butterfly Pea Latte – Start your morning with a warm butterfly pea latte. To make this easy recipe, steep some butterfly pea tea in hot water and add warm milk of your choice. For a creamier texture, froth the milk before adding it to your tea. Sweeten with honey or syrup to satisfy your taste buds.
Iced Butterfly Pea Tea Latte – On a hot day, an iced version of the butterfly pea tea latte might be what you need to cool off. Prepare the butterfly pea tea as you would for a hot latte, but allow it to cool before adding ice and cold milk. For an extra touch of class, serve it in a tall glass with a reusable straw.
Blue Milk with Edible Flowers – Jazz up your butterfly pea milk tea by adding edible flowers, such as blue borage, calendula petals, or even more butterfly pea flowers. Arrange them on your drink, turning a simple tea into a masterpiece.
Thai Butterfly Pea Tea – A Thai variation combines butterfly pea tea with sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk, giving it a rich and creamy taste.
Blue Herbal Tea Infusion – Combine butterfly pea tea with other herbal teas like lavender, chamomile, or lemongrass to create a unique flavor profile.
Spiced Butterfly Pea Chai – Combine butterfly pea tea with chai spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Sweeten with condensed milk or honey for a fragrant and warming beverage.
Feel free to experiment with different milk options, sweeteners, and toppings to create your perfect milk tea version.
Food Pairings
Butterfly pea milk tea pairs well with various foods. Here are some food pairings to enjoy alongside this milk tea:
- Asian Snacks: Given its popularity in Southeast Asia, butterfly pea milk tea goes well with traditional Asian snacks like spring rolls, dumplings, rice cakes, and sesame balls.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit, especially tropical fruits like mango, lychee, and pineapple, complements the floral and mildly earthy notes of butterfly pea tea.
- Pastries and Desserts: Pair it with a selection of pastries and desserts such as macarons, cream puffs, fruit tarts, and light, not-too-sweet cakes. The vibrant blue color makes for an appealing contrast.
- Savory Dishes: For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with Thai green curry, sushi, or sushi rolls. The mild herbal notes help balance the flavors.
- Spicy Foods: This milk tea’s soothing and slightly cooling effect can be a great match for spicy dishes like Thai or Indian curries.
- Fried Foods: The tea’s earthy undertones complement the crispy texture of fried foods like tempura, fried chicken, or French fries.
- Cheese Platter: A cheese platter with various cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit like grapes or figs can be a delightful pairing.
- Sushi and Sashimi: The delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi allow the unique taste of butterfly pea tea to shine without overwhelming the palate.
- Salads: A fresh and vibrant salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette pairs well with butterfly pea milk tea.
- Light Sandwiches: Enjoy it with finger sandwiches, especially those with cucumber, smoked salmon, or egg salad.
- Desserts with Berries: Desserts featuring berries, such as blueberry muffins, mixed berry tarts, or berry sorbet, harmonize well with the tea’s blue hue.
- Crispy Snacks: Snacks like popcorn, potato chips, or even nachos can be a satisfying contrast to the tea’s subtle flavors.
Health Benefits
Butterfly pea milk tea offers a variety of health benefits that you can enjoy. Packed with antioxidants, this natural and caffeine-free beverage helps fight free radicals in your body, promoting overall wellness.
The vibrant color of the tea comes from anthocyanins, compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function, allowing you to stay sharp and focused throughout the day.
Sipping on this milk tea provides a good dose of vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps improve your memory. So, the next time you need a little pick-me-up, try this delightful drink for its delicious taste and health benefits!
Buying Recommendations
If you are considering buying this tea online, please take into consideration the following options:
Vahdam, Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
INCAS 100% Organic Butterfly Pea Flower
BLUE TEA, Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
PICKNATURE, Organic Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Loose Leaf
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the health benefits of butterfly pea milk tea?
Butterfly pea milk tea is known for its numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against harmful free radicals. It also contains memory-enhancing properties and is believed to reduce stress and inflammation.
How do you make butterfly pea milk tea at home?
To make this milk tea at home, you will need dried butterfly pea flowers, hot water, your choice of milk, and sweeteners (like honey or sugar). Begin by steeping the flowers in hot water for about 5 minutes. Strain the tea and add your desired amount of milk and sweetener. Stir and enjoy!
What is the flavor profile of butterfly pea milk tea?
Butterfly pea milk tea has a mild, earthy taste with a hint of floral notes. You may notice a slightly sweet and nutty flavor when combined with milk. Sweeteners can enhance the taste according to your preference.
Can you add boba pearls to butterfly pea milk tea?
Yes, you can add tapioca boba pearls to the milk tea. Simply cook the boba pearls according to the package instructions and add them to the bottom of your glass before pouring in the butterfly pea milk tea.
Where can I buy butterfly pea flowers for making tea?
Butterfly pea flowers are conveniently available in various online stores and at local health food shops. They can be purchased as dried flowers or as a pre-made tea mix.
Are there any side effects of drinking butterfly pea milk tea?
Butterfly pea milk tea is generally considered safe to consume. However, it is essential to consider potential allergies and consult your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking specific medications. Consume in moderation to avoid any potential side effects.
I hope you have enjoyed the article!
Have you tried this milk tea?
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