Butterfly pea flower tea

Description

Butterfly pea flower tea is a delicate, caffeine-free infusion with a subtle, slightly earthy-floral taste and an intensely blue color resulting from anthocyanins (ternatin). When an acidic ingredient, such as lemon juice, is added, the color shifts to purple and pink, making it an impressive, natural dye. The infusion is low in calories and contains no fat or sugar, while the flowers provide antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory and circulation-supporting properties; the evidence is promising but still limited. In the kitchen, the tea pairs well with chilled drinks and cocktails, rice (e.g., nasi lemak), desserts, and jellies as a natural dye and base for lemonades and flavored teas. Dried flowers should be stored tightly in a cool, dark place, away from moisture and odors, preferably in an airtight container, and used within a year for the best color and aroma intensity.