Butterfly Pea, the Wonder Flower Tea

Karen M. Coronel

When you think of a tea, chances are that an image of a black or brown colored drink would pop in your mind. However, there is another type of tea that has an electric blue color, can change colors. Butterfly-pea flower tea commonly known as Blue Tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or tisane, beverage made from a decoction or infusion of the flower petals or even whole flower of the Clitoria ternatea plant.

The first time I encountered this kind of flower, it amazed me because water changes in color when add hot or cold. I even used this flower as garnish for salads done during one of the seminars I conducted in our department two years ago. It can also be eaten raw. You can have your refreshing tea, in a pot bring water to boil, and then add the dried flowers and lemongrass. Simmer for 5 minutes over low heat, remove from heat and strain. Boil the mixture again and add the sugar, stirring until it dissolves completely. Turn off the heat and leave to cool. Can be served hot or with ice and squeeze of lime. It also can add bluish color to plain rice.

What are the benefits of this wonder flower tea? According to teamiblends.com, there are 10 health benefits of butterfly flower tea. Amongst are the following: antiaging, anti-inflammatory, boosts immune system, keeps skin clean and glowing, boosts metabolism, reduces disease-causing fat, reduces stress + anxiety, lowers high blood pressure, fights insomnia, helps regulate blood sugar.

At home we have our very own butterfly pea plant. Are they maintenance plant? Butterfly pea is a perennial vine up to three feet long, but it is a twining vine for this one growing along the ground.

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The author is Secondary School Teacher III at Angeles City National High

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