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what makes Thai Butterfly Pea Tea so special?
The Butterfly Pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) has been used in Thai and Southeast Asian culture for centuries – as a natural food colouring, a traditional herbal remedy, and a ceremonial tea. In Thailand, it is called Anchan and brewed as a vibrant blue iced drink, often served with honey and lemon, at street stalls and temples alike.
What makes it truly extraordinary is its anthocyanin content – the same group of plant pigments responsible for the colours of red cabbage, blueberries, and purple sweet potatoes. These anthocyanins act as a natural pH indicator, causing the tea to shift from electric blue to purple, violet, or deep pink depending on the acidity of what is added to it. No artificial colouring. No tricks. Just one of nature’s most spectacular chemical reactions, in your cup.
what does Butterfly Pea Tea taste like?
Butterfly Pea Tea has a delicate, mildly earthy flavour with a subtle woody sweetness – pleasantly light and refreshing, without any sharpness or bitterness. On its own, it is gentle and understated; the visual experience is as much a part of the cup as the flavour.
It pairs beautifully with lemon, honey, ginger, or mint – and it is the addition of lemon juice that triggers the most dramatic colour change, from brilliant cobalt blue to a vivid grape-purple or magenta, depending on the quantity added.
It also makes an exceptional base for cocktails, lemonades, and creative culinary applications – its colour-changing properties are as useful in the kitchen as they are in the cup.
how to brew Thai Butterfly Pea Tea
Butterfly Pea Tea is wonderfully simple to brew and almost impossible to get wrong.
Water temperature: 90-100°C
Amount: 1-2g (a small handful of flowers) per 350ml
Steep time: 5-10 minutes – the longer you steep, the deeper and more saturated the blue colour becomes
Colour changing: Once brewed and strained, add lemon juice, citrus, or any acidic ingredient to watch the colour transform instantly from blue to purple or pink. The more acid added, the more dramatic the shift.
is Butterfly Pea Tea caffeinated?
No – Butterfly Pea Tea is completely and naturally caffeine-free. The Clitoria ternatea plant is a flowering legume, not a tea plant, and contains no caffeine whatsoever.
This makes it an ideal choice at any time of day – a visually spectacular evening drink, a vibrant morning ritual without stimulants, or a beautiful non-alcoholic alternative for occasions when something special is called for.
what are the health benefits?
Butterfly Pea flowers are exceptionally rich in anthocyanins – some of the most potent antioxidants found in the plant kingdom, associated with cardiovascular health, cognitive function, anti-inflammatory properties, and eye health.
In Thai traditional medicine, Anchan has long been used to support memory and mental clarity, and it is increasingly studied for its nootropic potential. It is also associated with healthy skin and hair – the same anthocyanins that give the flower its electric blue colour have been linked to collagen-supporting and anti-ageing properties.
As an added bonus, it is naturally low in calories and free from artificial additives of any kind – what you see in the cup is exactly what you are drinking.
Thai tea at a glance
Our Thailand collection celebrates one of the world’s most visually extraordinary botanical teas.
Butterfly Pea Tea – Premium Colour Changing Blue Tea: Whole dried Butterfly Pea flowers from Thailand – intensely blue, naturally caffeine-free, and uniquely colour-changing. A genuinely spectacular tea for drinking, creating, and gifting, available from 30g up to 5kg for culinary and commercial use.
can you cold brew Butterfly Pea Tea?
Absolutely – and cold brewing produces a deeply saturated, stunningly vivid blue concentrate that is spectacular served over ice.
Add 3-4g of flowers to 500ml of cold water and steep in the fridge for 6-8 hours. The result is a rich, jewel-blue liquid that transforms dramatically the moment you add lemon, citrus juice, or any acidic mixer.
Cold-brewed Butterfly Pea with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon is one of the most visually arresting drinks you can serve – and it tastes as good as it looks.
how should I store Butterfly Pea Tea?
Store in a cool, dark, airtight container away from moisture, light, and heat. Light in particular will gradually fade the vibrant blue pigment of the flowers over time – a dark container is essential for preserving the colour intensity that makes this tea so spectacular.
Properly stored, Butterfly Pea flowers retain their colour and potency for up to 18-24 months.
is Butterfly Pea Tea good for beginners?
It is one of the most immediately engaging teas we offer – the colour-changing effect alone makes it an unforgettable first experience, and the mild, approachable flavour means there is no learning curve whatsoever.
It makes a wonderful gift for tea lovers and non-tea-drinkers alike – there is something genuinely joyful about watching that colour transform in the cup for the first time. Once you’ve seen it, you’ll want to show everyone.
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