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This Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea is not only refreshing but also stunning to look at with its vibrant ocean-blue color. Made with butterfly pea flowers, the tea is known for its natural, vivid hue that instantly elevates any summer drink. The combination of milk and a touch of condensed milk gives it a creamy, indulgent taste, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
What’s exciting about this drink is the magic of the butterfly pea flower’s ability to change color when mixed with something acidic, like lemon juice. It’s a fun and delicious drink that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or having a tea break, this drink offers a perfect blend of visual appeal and delightful taste.
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Full Recipe:
- 1 tbsp jasmine green tea
- 1 tbsp butterfly pea flower tea
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp condensed milk
- Ice cubes
- 1 cup hot water (divided)
Directions:
- Steep the Jasmine Tea: Add 1 cup of hot water to the jasmine tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Strain and set aside to cool.
- Steep the Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: Add 1/4 cup of hot water to the butterfly pea flower tea. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain the liquid.
- Assemble: Pour the butterfly pea flower tea liquid into 100ml of the jasmine tea. Add the milk and condensed milk, and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the tea mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes, and enjoy your refreshing blue milk tea!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 121 | Servings: 1
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Background of Butterfly Pea Flower
The butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is a plant native to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries in herbal teas and traditional medicine. The flowers are dried and steeped to create a tea that is naturally blue due to the presence of anthocyanins, a group of antioxidants. In many Southeast Asian countries, the butterfly pea flower is used to color food and drinks, from rice dishes to cocktails.
Health Benefits
Butterfly pea flower tea is known for its potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It’s also said to have calming effects, making it a good choice for stress relief. Some believe it may help with memory enhancement and cognitive function, though more scientific studies are needed to confirm these claims.
Additionally, since the drink is made with milk (which provides calcium and vitamin D), it can also offer a small nutritional boost. The jasmine tea base adds a subtle floral fragrance and additional antioxidants, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Color-Changing Magic
One of the coolest features of the butterfly pea flower is its color-changing ability. When an acidic ingredient like lemon or lime juice is added to the blue tea, it turns purple. This magical transformation can be a fun addition to your presentation. You could even serve it as a color-changing drink for events, allowing guests to customize their drink by adding a little lemon for a different hue and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
This Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea pairs well with light, fruity snacks or desserts, such as fresh fruit, berry tarts, or even a simple slice of lemon cake. It’s perfect as a refreshing beverage to complement sweet treats, balancing the richness of desserts with its floral and mildly sweet taste.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Option: You can easily make this recipe vegan by substituting regular milk and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, and using coconut condensed milk or another dairy-free substitute.
- Sweetener Substitutes: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can swap out the condensed milk for honey, agave syrup, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia. Adjust the amount to taste, depending on how sweet you prefer your drink.
- Flavor Twists: To add a more complex flavor, you can mix the jasmine tea with other teas like green tea or even a hint of hibiscus, which would enhance both the taste and color dynamics of the drink.
Serving Ideas
For a stylish presentation, serve the Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea in clear glasses to highlight its stunning blue color. Garnish with edible flowers or a slice of lemon on the side for an extra pop of color. If you want to create a more dramatic effect, you could even layer the milk over the tea by carefully pouring it over the back of a spoon, creating a beautiful gradient effect before stirring.
Warnings and Precautions
While the butterfly pea flower is generally considered safe, it’s recommended that pregnant women avoid consuming it in large quantities, as it may have effects on the uterus. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing new herbal ingredients into your diet, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
History and Cultural Significance
The butterfly pea flower has a rich history in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. In Thailand and Vietnam, for example, it’s used to make a popular drink called Nam Dok Anchan, which is often served with a touch of lime juice to create that famous color change from blue to purple. In Myanmar, the flowers are used in desserts, while in Malaysia, it is used to color a traditional rice dish called Nasi Kerabu. The use of butterfly pea flower in culinary applications is a celebration of nature’s beauty and a testament to the ingredient’s versatility.
In many cultures, the butterfly pea flower is also used in ceremonies and offerings, symbolizing peace and tranquility. The plant itself is considered to have spiritual and healing properties, which further enhances its appeal in various traditional practices.
Why Blue?
The vibrant blue color of butterfly pea flower tea comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds found in blueberries and red cabbage. Anthocyanins are sensitive to pH, which is why the color of the tea changes when mixed with something acidic, like lemon or lime juice. The result is a visual and culinary treat that adds a fun and magical element to any occasion.
Nutritional Value
While butterfly pea flower tea is not particularly high in calories or macronutrients, it does offer a range of health-promoting properties due to its antioxidants. Here’s a breakdown of the potential health benefits:
- Antioxidants: The anthocyanins found in the tea help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
- Anti-inflammatory: Butterfly pea flower may have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation in the body, which can contribute to overall health and wellness.
- Anti-glycation: Some studies suggest that butterfly pea flower may help prevent glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind to proteins and fat molecules, potentially leading to aging and various diseases.
- Supports Eye Health: In traditional medicine, butterfly pea flower is believed to support eye health by improving circulation to the eyes and preventing eye strain. While scientific evidence is still limited, it has been used in herbal remedies for this purpose.
Aesthetic Appeal and Social Media Trends
The stunning color of Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea makes it highly Instagrammable. Its vibrant hue, combined with the potential for creative presentation (like color-changing effects or layered drinks), makes it a favorite among social media influencers and food bloggers. You can encourage your readers to share their creations on social media platforms by using the right lighting and serving glasses to highlight the color, creating a visually striking drink that draws attention.
Tips for Customizing the Drink
You can encourage readers to experiment with the recipe by offering tips for customization:
- Add Flavors: Enhance the drink by infusing the tea with different fruits, like blueberries, to complement the natural blue hue. Alternatively, adding a splash of vanilla extract or coconut cream can provide a tropical twist.
- Boba Pearls: For those who love bubble tea, adding tapioca pearls (boba) can turn the Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea into a fun and chewy boba tea. The blue color contrasts beautifully with the black pearls, creating an eye-catching beverage.
- Layered Drink: For a more dramatic presentation, you can layer the butterfly pea tea over the milk or other flavored layers (like a sweet coconut layer). Carefully pour the milk over the back of a spoon into the glass so it sits above the blue tea, giving it a gorgeous layered effect.
- Iced or Hot: While the recipe is written for an iced version, this tea can also be enjoyed hot. Simply skip the ice cubes and serve the tea hot, perfect for a cozy evening or a chilly day.
How to Grow Your Own Butterfly Pea Flowers
For those who love gardening, growing butterfly pea flowers is relatively simple and rewarding. These beautiful, bright blue flowers are easy to cultivate in warm climates. They thrive in full sunlight and require well-drained soil. Once harvested, the flowers can be dried and stored for later use in teas, desserts, and other recipes.
Here are a few tips for growing your own butterfly pea flowers:
- Climate: Butterfly pea plants thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, but they can also be grown in pots in temperate zones, provided they receive plenty of sunlight.
- Watering: These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil, so make sure they are watered regularly but avoid overwatering.
- Harvesting: Once the flowers are in full bloom, you can pick them early in the morning, when they are the freshest. You can either use them immediately or dry them for future use.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Ingredient
Butterfly pea flowers are a sustainable, eco-friendly ingredient. They don’t require much water or pesticides to grow and are typically harvested by hand, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. This can be a great selling point for environmentally conscious consumers looking to reduce their carbon footprint through mindful food choices.
Color-Changing Fun for Kids and Parties
This tea can be an interactive experience for kids and adults alike. The color-changing properties of butterfly pea flower tea are not only fun to watch but can also serve as an educational tool. You can use this as an opportunity to explain the science behind anthocyanins and how pH levels affect color changes, making it a fun experiment for children or a conversation starter at parties.
Global Influence and Modern Popularity
In recent years, butterfly pea tea has gained popularity globally, particularly in the wellness and culinary scenes. It’s commonly featured in trendy cafes and is often showcased in high-end beverages and desserts. The popularity of the tea has expanded beyond Southeast Asia and is now found in wellness drinks, mocktails, and even skincare products in many parts of the world.
Conclusion
Blue Butterfly Pea Milk Tea is a visually stunning, refreshing drink that combines natural beauty with health benefits. Its vibrant blue color, derived from butterfly pea flowers, adds a magical touch to any occasion, especially with its fun color-changing properties when mixed with acidic ingredients. Easy to customize and perfect for both hot and cold versions, this drink offers a delightful way to enjoy tea while experimenting with new flavors and creative presentations. Whether for social media, family gatherings, or personal enjoyment, it’s a unique beverage that is sure to impress.