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Tea
In The Cup: Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Butterfly pea flower is a climbing plant commonly found throughout South East Asia. Throughout the world, it is enjoyed as a tea and colorant for dishes such as coconut rice and dumplings. It has gained global popularity due to its vibrant blue color and color-changing properties. Add butterfly pea flower tea to your café or bar menu for eye-catching drinks that change from blue to pink!
Why does the tea change color?
This floral tea contains an abundance of anthocyanin, the flavonoid responsible for blue, red, and purple pigment in plants. Blueberries, pomegranate and black rice also contain this flavonoid. Moreover, anthocyanin is pH sensitive and changes color when an acid, such as lemon or lime juice, is added. Like many other flavonoids, it has potential health benefits as a functional ingredient. Anthocyanin, and therefore butterfly pea flower, is rich in antioxidants with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties!
Shop Royal Tea New York Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Now that you’re familiar with the color-changing properties and health benefits of butterfly pea flower tea, give it a try! Below are some of our favorite ways to enjoy and incorporate this ingredient into your café menu.
Tisane
Butterfly pea flower has a mild flavor, so it pairs well with other ingredients. When we add it to blends, some of our favorite complementary flavors are honey, mint, lemongrass, ginger, or fresh fruit pieces. To brew butterfly pea flower as a tisane, we recommend one of the following methods:
Brewed Hot
Steep 1 to 2 grams of butterfly pea flowers in 12oz of 212°F water for 5-10 minutes. Remember, a little bit goes a long way!
Cold Brewed
Steep 1.5 to 2oz of butterfly pea flowers in 1 gallon of cold water for 4 – 8 hours.
Lemon Juice or Tonic Water
Color Change
Once you have hot or cold brewed your butterfly pea flowers, it’s time to make some magic! To utilize the aforementioned anthocyanin, add some acidity to your brew. Lemon juice, lime juice, and tonic water all have a pH between 2 and 3, which is the perfect level of acidity to change the color of your tea. As you add them to your blue drink, watch it transform from blue to purple to pink!
Layered Drink
For a visually striking presentation, hold a spoon upside down over the glass and slowly pour the acidic liquid (lemon or lime juice, tonic water), over the back of the spoon. This will help the liquid gently float on top, creating beautiful layers of color.
Galaxy Effect
If you’re looking for a touch of magic and whimsy, consider adding edible glitter! Stir in a small amount and see how it catches the light and creates a mesmerizing swirl, resembling a galaxy.
Enhanced Flavor & Aroma
When you use flavored tonic waters, you can add in an extra layer of flavor and aroma. This will both enhance the taste and add to the aesthetic appeal of the drink! Try using flavored tonic waters like lime, elderflower, or rose for a delightful twist to your purple and pink summer drinks. Make sure to serve your drinks in a clear glass to fully showcase the vibrant colors and layers!
Simple Syrup
Looking for a way to add a punch of color to your drinks? Create a simple syrup! Combine equal amounts of sugar and water and heat until the sugar is just melted completely. For a richer simple syrup, double the amount of sugar. Steep butterfly pea flower in the hot mixture for about 20 minutes, then strain into a bottle. Simple syrup will keep in the fridge for about a month. Now you can add bright blue color to your specialty drinks, lattes and cocktails with ease!
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Latte
For our last suggestion, try an ever-popular tea latte! Tea lattes are a great way to maximize your tea inventory and add color to your menu. For a light blue latte perfect for spring and summer, try using butterfly pea flower as a base. And, don’t forget to add a frothed milk of your choice! This also goes great with tapioca pearls if you serve boba tea.
