
Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly pea flower, also known as Clitoria ternatea, is a vibrant and versatile ingredient gaining popularity in culinary applications. These stunning, deep-blue flowers are prized for their natural food coloring properties. The dried butterfly pea flower petals have a subtle, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor. Beyond its striking color, butterfly pea flower is used in herbal teas, beverages, and various dishes for its reported health benefits, including antioxidant properties. Butterfly pea flowers can be used to create a natural blue dye and are often used to naturally color rice, desserts, and cocktails. The flower's color-changing abilities when exposed to different pH levels makes it a unique and eye-catching addition to any culinary creation.
Common Uses
- Butterfly pea flower tea: Steep dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water to create a visually stunning blue tea with a mild, earthy flavor; add lemon juice for a color-changing experience, turning the tea purple.
- Natural food coloring: Use an infusion of butterfly pea flower petals to naturally dye rice, desserts, and other dishes a vibrant blue color, providing an alternative to artificial food colorings.
- Cocktail ingredient: Infuse butterfly pea flower into syrups, spirits, or ice cubes for cocktails, creating visually appealing drinks that change color when mixed with acidic ingredients like citrus juice.
- Herbal remedies: Utilize butterfly pea flower in traditional medicine for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; it's often found in herbal supplements and remedies.
- Culinary garnish: Sprinkle dried or fresh butterfly pea flowers as a decorative garnish on salads, desserts, and other dishes to add a pop of color and visual appeal.
- Butterfly pea flower desserts: incorporate butterfly pea flower powder to make blue-colored desserts like puddings and kueh.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.0kcal
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.0kcal
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
0.0g
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals and support overall health.
- May improve cognitive function and memory due to its potential neuroprotective properties.
- Supports skin health by promoting collagen production and reducing signs of aging.
- Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
- May contribute to eye health by improving blood flow to the eyes and protecting against damage.
- Naturally caffeine-free, making it a healthy alternative to caffeinated beverages.
Storage Tips
Butterfly pea flowers should be stored in an airtight container away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture to maintain their vibrant color and potency. Dried flowers can be kept at room temperature in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them in an airtight container to preserve their quality and prevent fading.
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