Pour hot water over butterfly pea flowers, and you get a beautiful blue cup. Add a squeeze of lemon, and suddenly that blue starts shifting toward purple.
It looks almost magical, but there is simple science behind it.
This is one of our favourite things about Butterfly Pea Flower Tea. The colour comes naturally from the butterfly pea flower itself, not from added colour. Our Butterfly Pea Flower Tea is made from the petals of Clitoria ternatea and is caffeine-free.
Why Does Blue Tea Turn Purple With Lemon?
The answer is anthocyanins.
Butterfly pea flowers contain natural pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments are sensitive to acidity, which means their colour can change depending on the pH of what is added to the drink.
Lemon is acidic. When you squeeze it into your blue tea, the change in acidity affects the anthocyanin pigments, shifting the colour from blue towards purple or pink. Research on butterfly pea anthocyanins has shown clear colour changes at different pH levels.
So yes, the colour change is natural.
And importantly, the colour change itself is not proof that the tea has become healthier or more powerful. It is simply a fun example of how natural pigments respond to acidity.
Does Lemon Change the Taste?
Definitely.
Butterfly pea flower tea has a mild, delicate floral and herbal taste. Lemon adds acidity and a fresh citrus note, making the cup taste brighter and more refreshing.
If you find plain herbal tea too subtle, lemon is one of the easiest ways to give it more character. Blue Tea also recommends lemon as a way to enhance the taste of its Butterfly Pea Flower Tea.
Does Lemon Change the Health Benefits?
Adding lemon changes the flavour and colour of the drink, but you should not think of the colour change as a measure of its health benefits.
The main reason to add lemon is simple: you may enjoy the cup more.
And enjoying your tea is important if you want it to become a habit.
Why Is Butterfly Pea Tea Blue?
Butterfly pea tea gets its naturally blue colour from the pigments present in the flower petals. Blue Tea uses Clitoria ternatea flowers for its Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, with no need to rely on added colour to create the blue cup.
Try the Blue-to-Purple Pour
Brew your Blue Tea Butterfly Pea Flower Tea as usual. Let it steep until you have a deep blue cup, then add a few drops of fresh lemon.
Watch the colour change as you stir.
You can enjoy it warm in the morning or pour it over ice for a simple drink to serve when friends are around. It is less about chasing a result and more about making your everyday tea ritual a little more interesting.
FAQs
How should I brew Blue Tea Butterfly Pea for better flavour?
Start with a simple steep and adjust the strength based on your taste. Add lemon if you prefer a brighter flavour.
Which Blue Tea brewing method works best for a mild cup?
Use a shorter steeping time or less tea for a lighter, more delicate cup.
Can changing steeping time improve the flavour of Blue Tea?
Yes. A shorter steep can give you a milder cup, while a longer steep creates a deeper flavour and colour.
Why does my herbal tea taste bitter?
It may be over-steeped or simply have a naturally stronger flavour. Try reducing the steeping time.
Why does my butterfly pea tea taste weak?
Try steeping it a little longer or using more flowers. You can also add lemon to bring out a brighter flavour.
