What is Blue Butterfly Pea Flower

March 10, 2023By The Tea Cartel

What is Blue Butterfly Pea Flower

Blue Butterfly Pea Flower

Blue butterfly pea flower (scientific name: Clitoria ternatea) is a plant native to tropical regions of Asia, including India and Thailand. It is a climbing plant that produces vibrant blue-purple flowers, which have been traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

It is named after its unique blue-colored flowers, which resemble butterfly wings.

Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea

The flowers are typically used to make a vibrant blue-colored tea, which is popular in Thailand, Vietnam, and other parts of Southeast Asia.

The blue colour of the tea comes from the presence of anthocyanins, which are natural pigments that give many fruits and vegetables their red, purple, and blue colours.

The flowers of the blue butterfly pea plant are commonly used to make tea, which has a deep blue colour that can change to purple or pink when lemon juice is added. The tea is said to have a subtle floral flavour and is often used as a natural food colouring in Southeast Asian cuisine.

In recent years, blue butterfly pea flower has become increasingly popular in other parts of the world, particularly as a natural food coloring. The blue color of the tea can be used to color a variety of foods and beverages, from blue rice and noodles to cocktails and smoothies. Additionally, the flowers can be brewed with other herbs and spices to create unique and flavorful blends.

Interesting fact. The flowers only bloom for one day, after the bloom they closeup and if left undisturbed, a pea will form in it's place. The pea is not edible.