What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like? Find Out!

What does butterfly pea tea taste like?

Butterfly pea tea has a mild, slightly earthy flavor with a subtle floral undertone and a natural sweetness.

In this article, we explore the flavor profile of butterfly pea tea, its health benefits, how to prepare it for maximum flavor, and even some creative ways to use it beyond just drinking it.

So, come along on this journey to discover the wonders of butterfly pea tea and consider adding it to your tea collection today.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

Table of Contents

What Is Butterfly Pea Tea?

Butterfly pea tea is an herbal tea made from the dried flowers of the Clitoria Ternatea plant, also known as butterfly pea or blue pea. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in traditional medicine and cooking.

When steeped in hot water, the tea turns the water a deep blue or purple color, depending on the pH level of the water.

This beverage has recently gained popularity for its unique color and potential health benefits.

Butterfly pea tea is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an excellent alternative for those who love the idea of enjoying a colorful latte or smoothie without the potential side effects of caffeine.

Even though this article focuses on dry butterfly pea flowers, I want to mention these are also sold in powder form. When this is the case, it is called butterfly pea powder or blue matcha.

Because of this naming convention, it is often compared to green matcha. However, these have different origins, flavor profiles, and health benefits. So, do not get confused!

What Does Butterfly Pea Tea Taste Like?

Butterfly pea tea has a unique flavor (or, that is what I think). Let me break down the taste profile into initial flavor and aftertaste for a clearer understanding.

Initial Flavor

The first time I tried butterfly pea tea, I was struck by its earthy and subtle sweetness. It has a mellow flavor profile, thanks to the natural compounds found in flowers used to make it. While it’s not overpowering, it does provide a nice contrast to the bitterness often found in green or black teas. I also noticed some subtle floral undertones, which added to the overall complexity of the taste.

Alternately, I’ve discovered the tea also pairs well with milk or other non-dairy alternatives, yielding a creamier texture and a subdued, yet delicious taste.

Aftertaste

Upon finishing my first sip, I was surprised to find that the aftertaste of butterfly pea tea was mild and smooth. There was a lingering sweetness, without any overwhelming bitterness or astringency as one might expect from regular teas. This pleasant aftertaste makes it an enjoyable drink to savor and allows for multiple steepings of the tea without losing its unique flavor.

Butterfly pea tea offers a refreshing and delicate taste experience, free from excessive bitterness. Its earthy tones and slight, natural sweetness make it a delightful alternative to traditional teas.

Now, take into consideration that I am providing an overall flavor profile. Butterfly pea tea taste will vary depending on ingredient source, preparation method, storage care, and other aspects.

Preparing Butterfly Pea Tea

To fully enjoy the benefits of butterfly pea tea, proper preparation is essential. Here’s a simple recipe for preparing butterfly pea tea:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers
2 cups of water
Honey or sweetener of your choice (optional)
Lemon wedges (for color-changing effect and flavor, optional)

Instructions

Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. You can use a kettle or a saucepan to heat the water.
Prepare Butterfly Pea Flowers: Measure 1 tablespoon of dried butterfly pea flowers. If using fresh flowers, you’ll need a larger quantity.
Steeping:
- Place the butterfly pea flowers in a teapot or a heat-resistant container.
- Once the water has boiled, pour it over the dried flowers.
- Cover the container and let the flowers steep in the hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. The steeping time will affect the strength of the tea and its color.
Straining: After steeping, strain the tea to remove the butterfly pea flowers. You can use a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser.
Serving:
- You can enjoy butterfly pea tea hot or cold, depending on your preference.
- If you’d like to enjoy the color-changing effect, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your cup. The acidic nature of the lemon will cause the blue tea to turn purple.
Sweetening: If desired, add honey or any sweetener of your choice to the tea. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
Garnish (optional): Add a fresh butterfly pea flower or a lemon wedge to the cup for garnish and additional visual appeal.

Simple Butterfly Pea Tea Recipes

Here are a few simple recipes that incorporate butterfly pea tea:

Butterfly Pea Lemonade

Mix butterfly pea tea with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sweetener to taste. The acidity of the lemon juice will turn the blue tea into a beautiful purple color. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Blue Moon Latte

Mix butterfly pea tea with your favorite milk (dairy or non-dairy) and sweetener to taste. Froth the mixture with a milk frother or blender and pour into a mug. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder.

Blueberry Butterfly Pea Smoothie

Blend frozen blueberries, a banana, Greek yogurt, honey, and a splash of butterfly pea tea until smooth. The result will be a vibrant purple smoothie with a subtle floral flavor.

Blue Butterfly Pea Ice Cream

Mix butterfly pea tea with heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The result will be a beautiful blue ice cream with a unique flavor.

Blue Margarita

Mix butterfly pea tea with tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. The acidity of the lime juice will turn the blue tea into a purple color, resulting in a stunning and delicious margarita.

Pairing Butterfly Tea with Food

Butterfly Pea Tea is not just a pretty ingredient in your beverage, but it’s also a versatile ingredient that can be used in food pairing. The tea’s fascinating blue hue can add an exciting pop of color to any dish, making it a fun ingredient to play around with in the kitchen.

One popular food pairing option is to use butterfly pea tea in rice dishes. By substituting regular water with butterfly pea tea, you can create a beautiful blue hue that elevates the overall presentation of the dish. The tea adds a subtle floral flavor, making the rice more flavorful and aromatic.

Another food pairing option is using butterfly pea tea in cocktails and mocktails. The tea’s color-changing properties can create a mesmerizing effect that will impress your guests. Additionally, the floral and earthy notes of the tea can enhance the overall flavor profile of the drink.

Butterfly pea tea can also be used in desserts. Using steeped tea as a natural food coloring agent, you can create beautiful blue hues in cakes, cupcakes, and pastries. The tea’s subtle flavor can also complement the sweetness of the dessert, making it a perfect addition to any baker’s pantry.

Incorporating butterfly pea tea into your food pairing can be a fun and creative way to experiment with new dishes!

What Does Blue Matcha Taste Like?, Magic Lemaonade

Butterfly Pea Tea Health Benefits

Not only does butterfly pea tea offer a unique flavor profile, but it also has an impressive list of health benefits. And, I am not exagerating. The tea is considered by some a superfood.

Studies have shown that drinking butterfly pea tea can help reduce inflammation in the body, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, the tea has been shown to improve brain function and reduce stress levels.

Butterfly pea tea is also known for its ability to promote healthy skin and hair. The tea contains anthocyanin, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from harmful UV rays and improves overall skin elasticity. Regularly consuming butterfly pea tea may promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.

Furthermore, butterfly pea tea has been linked to improved digestion and a stronger immune system. Its high levels of flavonoids and alkaloids may help improve gut health and prevent certain digestive disorders. The tea also contains antimicrobial properties, which can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the body.

Butterfly Pea Tea Buying Guide

Here is what to remember if you buy butterfly pea flowers for tea.

Quality

Look for reputable tea brands or suppliers that offer high-quality butterfly pea tea. Freshness and quality will influence the flavor, color, and potential health benefits of the tea.

Organic Options

If you prefer organic products, seek out organic butterfly pea tea options. Organic teas are typically grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or chemicals.

Origin

Some regions are known for producing superior butterfly pea flowers. Thai butterfly pea flowers, for instance, are well-regarded for their vibrant color and taste. Consider the origin of the flowers when making your choice.

Packaging

Ensure that the tea is packaged in a way that preserves its freshness. Look for airtight packaging that blocks out light and moisture, which can degrade the quality of the tea over time.

Additional Ingredients

Some butterfly pea tea blends include other herbs or flowers to enhance flavor or potential health benefits. Check the ingredients list if you’re looking for a specific flavor profile.

If you are considering buying this tea online, please take into consideration the following options:

Vahdam, Butterfly Pea Flower Tea