If you have ever seen a tea that shifts from deep blue to purple with a squeeze of lemon, that is butterfly pea tea. I grow the vine myself, pick the flowers by hand, and dry them for tea year round. This post walks through exactly how I make butterfly pea tea at home, from fresh flowers off the vine to a simple dried version you can keep on hand.
What Is Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
Butterfly pea tea comes from the flower of the Clitoria ternatea vine, a plant that is easy to grow in a warm climate and produces flowers with a deep, almost electric blue pigment. The tea itself is caffeine free and has a mild, slightly earthy flavor, which makes it a great base for other flavors like lemon, ginger, or honey.
The real draw is the color. Butterfly pea tea starts a rich blue and turns purple or pink when you add something acidic like lemon juice. It is one of the easiest ways to make a drink feel special without any extra ingredients or effort.
Growing and Harvesting Butterfly Pea Flowers
I grow my butterfly pea on a vine trellis, and it climbs fast once established. The flowers open in the morning, so that is the best time to pick them if you are harvesting for tea.
A few tips from growing my own:
- Pick flowers as soon as they open for the most vibrant color.
- Handle them gently, since the petals bruise easily.
- If you are not using them fresh, dry them the same day you pick them.
You do not need a garden to enjoy butterfly pea tea. Dried flowers are widely available and work just as well as fresh ones.
If you enjoy growing your own tea ingredients, moringa is another easy one to start with
How to Dry Butterfly Pea Flowers
Drying butterfly pea flowers is simple and does not require any special equipment.
- Lay the fresh flowers in a single layer on a clean towel or drying rack.
- Keep them out of direct sunlight in a well ventilated spot.
- Let them dry for several days until they are fully crisp to the touch.
- Store the dried flowers in an airtight jar away from light.
- Dried flowers hold their color well and can last for months when stored properly.
Fresh Flowers, Dried Flowers, or Powder
You do not need a vine in your yard to make this tea. If you are not growing your own, dried flowers or powder work just as well and are easy to find.
For dried flowers, I recommend a premium whole flower option like the FreshDrinkUS Blue Butterfly Pea Flowers. Whole dried flowers give you the most control over steep time and color depth, and a little goes a long way in a 16oz bag.
If you want something even quicker, butterfly pea flower powder is a convenient option for tea, lattes, or baking, since it dissolves right into hot water or batter without straining. The Queen Omi Organic Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Powder is a solid choice if you want the vibrant blue color without steeping whole flowers.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Tea
With fresh flowers
- Add 8 to 10 fresh flowers to a cup of hot water.
- Let steep for 5 to 7 minutes, until the water turns a deep blue.
- Strain out the flowers and enjoy hot, or pour over ice.
With dried flowers
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried flowers to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 5 minutes, until the color fully develops.
- Strain and serve, or add a splash of lemon juice to watch it turn purple.
For a fun twist, freeze the tea into ice cubes and drop them into a glass of sparkling water. As the cubes melt, they release color slowly through the drink.
Simple Ways to Flavor Butterfly Pea Tea
- A spoonful of honey for natural sweetness
- A squeeze of lemon or lime for the color change and a bit of tartness
- Fresh mint leaves for a cooling finish
- A slice of ginger steeped alongside the flowers for warmth
Why I Grow My Own Butterfly Pea
Growing butterfly pea flowers myself means I always have a steady supply for tea, and it has become one of my favorite plants in the garden for how little care it needs. If you are curious about starting your own vine, it is a rewarding plant to add even in a small garden space.
