Butterfly Pea Flowers - Organic

Ingredients: Organic Butterfly Pea Flowers (Clitoria ternatea)

Package: 0.25 oz Zipper Close Barrier Pouch

Also known by its scientific name, Clitoria ternatea, the butterfly pea is a plant native to Asia. You may recognize it by its striking, vibrant blue flowers. It is also rich in anthocyanins, which are the antioxidant compounds responsible for its unique color. For this reason, manufactures may use butterfly pea flower in cosmetics or as a natural dye for foods, drinks, and textiles. The flowers are also commonly brewed into an herbal tea, often alongside ingredients like lemongrass, honey, and lemon. When the acidity of the pea flower tea changes, the color changes as well. This quality makes butterfly pea flower a popular ingredient among mixologists for specialty cocktails.

Butterfly pea flower is so-named because it is a member of the pea family with notched tips on the flowers that give blooms the appearance of a butterfly in flight. However, ironically, the plant is generally ignored by butterflies, despite its bright blue color. While plants in the wild produce flowers that range from deep blue to lavender, some cultivars have white or pink flowers, a few with semi-double blooms.

Like other vines, butterfly pea flower sends out trailing stems, but it’s not a prolific climber. The leaves, which yield a green dye, appear on stalks divided into lance-shaped leaflets. Mature plants reach up to 15 feet with a spread of up to 6 feet.

Precautions

No known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.

Recommendation: Prepare as a tea - Pour 8 oz of boiling water (212° F) over 1-2 tsp. of herb. Cover and steep 3-4 minutes, strain, and serve.