Social media is a hotspot for incredible drinks or some unique cuisine discoveries.
One such current discovery that has been buzzing around is the butterfly pea flower tea.
With a bright and vibrant aura, the drink already looks like a definite winner.
But what makes it even more remarkable is its ability to change color.
This allows the drink to offer a unique brewing and tasting experience when infused with hot water.
So, are you ready to know more about this exquisite color-changing drink? Here, you'll get information regarding what does butterfly pea flower tea taste like?
And some of the brilliant ways you can serve it. Let's begin.
What is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
This vibrant and beautiful pea flower tea originates from the deep blue color called Clitoria Ternatea of the butterfly or blue pea plant.
The tea is also commonly known by other names, such as blue pea, Asian pigeonwings, and blue tea.
The tea has been brewed as a herbal tea for centuries in the Southeast Asian regions, and quite recently, it started making waves in Europe and the US.
Known for its charming dark blue and purple-ish color, the butterfly pea flower tea makes an excellent herbal tea for avid tea drinkers.
And as mentioned earlier, the uniqueness of this drink lies in its ability to change colors, flavor profile, and hue.
This transformation mainly happens when the petals are infused with hot water.
But, what's even more interesting is that it can change into more than one color.
This usually depends on the type of ingredients added.
For instance, adding lemon juice can convert the tea to a bright red color.
What Does Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Taste Like?
Butterfly pea flower or blue tea tastes just as magical as its color.
It produces a unique scent that resembles earthy and woody notes with a smell similar to tempeh.
When steeped, the tea can change its scent to a slightly sour and citric taste, comparable to hibiscus tea.
In terms of taste, it has a very delicate flavor.
The taste can be described as a cross between woody, sweet, and lightly floral.
Despite its smell, the tea is quite refreshing without much intensity.
The butterfly pea flower creates a broader impression among avid tea drinkers.
Blue tea contains much more delicate flavoring than other herbal teas with floral notes like lavender, rose, or jasmine.
Thus, many who aren't fond of floral drinks find blue tea preferable.
Aside from its exceptional taste profile, blue tea is often used in different ways to bring color to a drink without hindering much of the original flavor.
Plus, it comes with several health benefits as well.
The tea is well-known for its antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and detoxify the body.
Hence, drinking it can help hydrate the body while eliminating stress-inducing toxins from the body.
Additionally, the tea is also known for reducing stress and bringing about a relaxed state of mind.
So, if you've returned from a hectic day at work, unwind your mind and body by indulging in some delicious butterfly pea flower tea.
How to Serve Butterfly Pea Flower Tea?
The butterfly pea flower is one of those teas commonly used for displaying the enchanting art of tea due to its colors.
As the plant also carries the ability to change color, it is also substituted for natural food coloring.
So, apart from its grand and vibrant display, what are some ways it can be served? Let's find out.
Blue tea is best used or served as an afternoon tea or basically in any other tea party.
It can also be paired with items such as blueberry pie.
This will not only balance well with the flavor of the tea but also coordinate well in terms of color.
Now, unlike green tea, butterfly pea flower tea is relatively easy to steep and doesn't develop bitter flavors as quickly.
The leaves can be easily brewed with filtered or spring water at a high boiling temperature.
If you're looking for something beyond the original method, you can also try Nam Dok Anchan, a popular traditional Thai version of blue tea.
The tea can be drunk both cold and hot. However, the iced version tends to be more popular.
Conclusion
For those looking to level up their tea collection, the butterfly pea flower tea makes an excellent addition.
It's healthy, tasty, delicate on the mouth, and offers an exciting brewing experience, unlike any other tea.
Due to its color-changing properties, it also allows you to experiment, which is great if you're looking to create a unique drink of your own.
However, if you're just starting with this luscious, delicious tea, we suggest some of the basic preparation options mentioned above.
