Butterfly Pea Flower Infusion | 30g

Butterfly pea flower tea is a caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant, native to Southeast Asia and parts of India. It is most famous for its striking deep-blue colour, which comes from natural pigments called anthocyanins: the same family of antioxidants found in blueberries and purple cabbage. In Ayurvedic tradition it has been used for centuries for its calming, cognitive, and skin-supporting properties. It is completely caffeine-free, has a mild earthy flavour, and is one of the most visually distinctive teas you can make.

This is the most talked-about thing about this tea and the science behind it is genuinely fascinating. The blue colour comes from anthocyanins: pH-sensitive pigments that change colour when exposed to acidic ingredients. At neutral pH the tea brews a deep, vivid blue. Add something acidic (a squeeze of lemon, a splash of lime juice, or hibiscus tea) and the pH drops, triggering a visible shift from blue to purple or violet. The colour change happens instantly and completely, which makes it spectacular to watch. The anthocyanins responsible for the shift are the same compounds that give the tea its antioxidant properties.

Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanins: powerful antioxidants associated with multiple health benefits. Regular consumption is traditionally linked to supporting cognitive function and memory, promoting healthy skin and hair by protecting against oxidative stress, supporting eye health, reducing inflammation, and having a mild calming effect on the nervous system. In Ayurveda it is classified as a medhya rasayana, a herb that supports intelligence and mental clarity. It is caffeine-free, making it a genuinely relaxing drink at any time of day.

Yes, this is one of its most valued traditional uses. The anthocyanins and flavonoids in butterfly pea flowers help protect skin cells from oxidative damage, which is a primary cause of premature ageing. They also support collagen synthesis, which keeps skin firm and elastic. For hair, the proanthocyanidins in butterfly pea are traditionally associated with stimulating hair follicles and promoting thickness. Drinking it consistently over several weeks is more effective than occasional cups: one to two cups daily is the typical recommendation for skin and hair benefits.

It has a mild, slightly earthy and woody flavour with a subtle floral note, much gentler and less assertive than hibiscus or chamomile. On its own it is almost neutral, which makes it an excellent base for adding other flavours. A squeeze of lemon transforms both the colour and the taste, the tartness brightens it significantly. Honey adds warmth without masking the delicate floral character. It also works beautifully as a base for iced teas and mocktails where the visual colour-change effect becomes part of the experience.

Brew a cup using 1.5g of dried flowers in 175ml of 90–95°C water for 2–3 minutes. You will get a deep blue infusion. Then simply squeeze in fresh lemon or lime juice and watch it shift from blue to purple or violet in real time the more acid you add, the more purple it becomes. For the most dramatic colour change, brew it strong, let it cool slightly, then add the lemon all at once rather than gradually. Served over ice in a clear glass it makes a visually stunning drink.

Yes, completely caffeine free. It is a pure floral herbal infusion with no tea leaves whatsoever. This makes it safe and suitable to drink at any time of day including evenings, and appropriate for people who are avoiding caffeine for any reason. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and contains no artificial colouring, the blue comes entirely from the natural anthocyanins in the flowers.

Yes, for most healthy adults one to two cups daily is safe and well-tolerated. It has been consumed regularly in traditional medicine across India and Southeast Asia for centuries with no known serious side effects at normal consumption levels. People with known allergies to legumes (butterfly pea is part of the legume family) should consult their doctor first. It is not recommended during pregnancy as its effect on uterine contractions has not been sufficiently studied. Anyone on blood pressure medication should also check with their doctor as anthocyanins can have mild vasodilatory effects.