Making blue tea using dried butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea) is a unique and visually stunning process. Here's a simple guide to making blue tea:
Ingredients:
- Dried butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea)
- Hot water
- Optional: Honey, lemon, or other flavorings
Instructions:
- Boil fresh, clean water. You can use a kettle or a pot on the stove.
- If your dried butterfly pea flowers are not pre-rinsed, give them a quick rinse under running water to remove any impurities.
- Place a handful of dried butterfly pea flowers into a teapot or directly into your cup.
- Pour the hot water over the dried butterfly pea flowers. Ensure that the water covers the flowers completely.
- Allow the flowers to steep in hot water. The steeping time can vary, but a general recommendation is around 5-10 minutes. You can adjust the steeping time based on your desired strength and color intensity.
- Once the tea has reached the desired color, strain out the dried flowers. If you prefer, you can leave them in for a more intense flavor.
- Customize your blue tea by adding honey, lemon, or other flavorings. Stir well to mix in these additions.
- Your blue tea is ready to be served! The vibrant blue color of the tea is not only visually appealing but can also change color when you add acidic ingredients like lemon juice.
Keep in mind that butterfly pea flower tea is known for its natural blue color, but it can turn purple when mixed with acidic substances. This color-changing quality makes it a fun and interesting beverage. Experiment with different additions and enjoy your homemade blue tea!