To make purple tea, steep dried purple tea leaves in hot water for 5-7 minutes, then enjoy its unique flavor and health benefits.
Purple tea is a unique beverage that offers both visual appeal and health benefits. Whether you’re using butterfly pea flowers or Kenyan purple tea leaves, this guide will show you how to create this vibrant drink at home.
What is Purple Tea?
Purple tea comes in two main varieties: herbal butterfly pea flower tea and Kenyan purple leaf tea. Butterfly pea flower tea changes color when lemon juice is added, while Kenyan purple tea gets its name from the purple hue of the fresh leaves.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
This caffeine-free herbal tea is made from the flowers of the Clitoria ternatea plant. When steeped, it produces a stunning blue liquid that turns purple with the addition of lemon juice due to pH changes.
Kenyan Purple Tea
Developed by the Tea Research Foundation of Kenya, this camellia sinensis cultivar contains high levels of anthocyanins – the same antioxidants found in blueberries. Unlike butterfly pea tea, it doesn’t brew purple but offers exceptional health benefits.
Health Benefits of Purple Tea
Both types of purple tea offer unique health advantages:
| Benefit | Butterfly Pea | Kenyan Purple |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidants | Moderate | Very High (135x more than green tea) |
| Caffeine | Caffeine-free | Lower than green tea |
| Special Compounds | Flavonoids | Anthocyanins |
Research suggests Kenyan purple tea may help with weight management and offer neuroprotective benefits. Butterfly pea tea is traditionally used in Ayurveda for its calming properties.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Purple Tea
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 5-6 dried butterfly pea flowers (or 1 tea bag)
- 1-2 tsp lemon juice (for color change)
- Sweetener of choice (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil water and let it cool slightly (about 175°F)
- Add flowers to teapot or infuser
- Steep for 3-5 minutes
- Remove flowers and pour tea into cup
- Add lemon juice to watch color change from blue to purple
- Sweeten if desired
For iced tea, fill a glass with ice before pouring the tea. Add lemon slices and mint for extra flavor. If you enjoy unique tea experiences, you might also like exploring cold press juicers for making healthy beverages.
How to Brew Kenyan Purple Tea
Kenyan purple tea requires slightly different preparation:
- Use water at 175-185°F (not boiling)
- Steep for 2-3 minutes
- Use 1 teaspoon per 8oz water
The resulting brew will be amber-colored, not purple. For maximum health benefits, consider multiple short infusions rather than one long steep.
Creative Purple Tea Variations
Purple Tea Latte
Mix brewed butterfly pea tea with warm milk and honey for a colorful latte. The milk will turn lavender.
Purple Tea Lemonade
Combine equal parts brewed tea and lemonade for a refreshing summer drink that naturally changes color.
Purple Tea Cocktails
Use butterfly pea tea as a natural color-changing mixer for gin or vodka cocktails. The color shifts when citrus is added.
Where to Find Purple Tea Ingredients
Butterfly pea flowers are available at:
- Specialty tea shops
- Asian grocery stores
- Online retailers
Kenyan purple tea can be harder to find but is available from specialty tea companies like Simple Loose Leaf. For other unique beverage options, check out our guide to the best commercial blenders for smoothies.
Storage Tips
To preserve freshness:
- Store dried flowers or leaves in airtight containers
- Keep away from light and moisture
- Use within 6 months for best flavor
Brewed tea can be refrigerated for 2-3 days. The color may fade slightly over time.
