Butterfly Garden

Description

Butterfly pea flower is the visual centerpiece. It produces the striking blue color and has a mild, earthy flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the other herbs. It also contains anthocyanin pigments, which are responsible for its color-changing reaction when acid, such as lemon juice, is added.

Lemongrass brings the bright citrus character. Since butterfly pea is fairly mild, lemongrass gives the tea a more recognizable, refreshing flavor and keeps the blend from tasting too earthy.

Lemon balm softens the sharper lemongrass with a gentler lemony, green flavor. Traditionally, lemon balm has been used as a calming herb, making it especially fitting for an easy-drinking herbal tea.

Orange peel provides a sweeter, deeper citrus note. It rounds out the lemon flavors and adds a little pleasant bitterness and aromatic complexity.

Why they work together: Butterfly pea supplies the gorgeous color, while lemongrass, lemon balm, and orange peel create layers of citrus. The result is much more flavorful than butterfly pea by itself without losing that beautiful blue color.

Overall cup: Mild • citrusy • refreshing • lightly earthy