Are you familiar with butterfly pea tea? Its beautiful blue color and the fascinating way it changes color have made it quite popular recently. In this article, I will explain the characteristics of butterfly pea tea and how to brew it deliciously.

Actually, butterfly pea tea is not made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) like traditional teas. Instead, it is made primarily from the petals of a leguminous plant native to Southeast Asia.
So why is butterfly pea tea blue? The blue color comes from a compound called ternatin, which is an anthocyanin. When lemon is added, the tea changes to a purple hue because the ternatin has a property that causes it to change color based on pH levels.
Despite its vibrant color, the tea itself has a light, mild flavor. It’s often enjoyed with added syrup or blended with aromatic herbal teas like chamomile or lavender to enhance the flavor.
Finally, here’s how to brew a delicious cup of butterfly pea tea.
How to Brew Butterfly Pea Tea (for dried petals):
- Amount: about 3 petals
- Water: 300ml
- Water temperature: 100°C (boiling)
- Steeping time: 3 minutes
Feel free to adjust the taste by adding lemon or syrup to your liking!