Butterfly pea flowers

Also Known As : Butterfly pea, Pigeon wings, Blue pea, butterfly blue flower

Technical Name : Clitoria ternatea

Descriptions
details

Vegetarian

Taste Profile

It has a mild, sweet taste.

Usage Tips

Butterfly pea flowers are often used as dyes for coloring confectionary products.
In Malaysia, they are used in Malay and Peranakan dishes such as nasi kerabu, pulut inti, kuih tekan, pulut tai tai and the savoury nyonya zhang (rice dumplings) which have a tinge of blue added to it.
In Thailand, they are used in a drink known as nam dok anchan.
The blue drink is commonly served with lime juice and pandan flavoured syrup.
They are eaten as vegetables in countries such as India and the Philippines, while in Burma, they are usually dipped in batter and fried before serving.
Butterfly pea flowers are also used as garnishing in salads.

Common names and forms

Blue Pea Flower
Butterfly Blue Flower

Description

Butterfly Pea is a climbing plant whose blue flowers are often used as a food dye. It is believed to have originated from South America and Asia. Butterfly pea flowers are solitary or paired, deep blue or pure white in color and about 4 cm broad. It is used as a natural food colouring for food and drinks in Thai, Malay and Peranakan cuisines.

Health benefits

Butterfly Pea Flowers have potent antioxidants in it, which helps to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals.⁽¹⁾
They may also possess significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.⁽¹⁾

Note

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid the consumption of butterfly pea flowers.⁽²⁾

Resource & Links

(1) https://the.republicoftea.com/teablog/the-health-benefits-of-butterfly-pea-flowers/

(2) https://www.bossenstore.com/blogs/blog/what-is-butterfly-pea-flower

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