The Ultimate Guide to Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly pea flower (Clitoria ternatea) is a beautiful blue flower that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine in Southeast Asia. In recent years, butterfly pea flower has gained popularity in Western cultures as a superfood and natural dye.
This blog post will provide a comprehensive overview of butterfly pea flower, covering its history, health benefits, uses, and how to make it.
History of Butterfly Pea Flower
The butterfly pea flower is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cuisine. The plant is also known as blue pea flower, clitoria ternatea, Asian pigeonwings, and Darwin pea.
The first recorded use of butterfly pea flower was in ancient India, where it was used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, stomachache, and diarrhea. The plant was also used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve circulation and boost the immune system.
In recent years, butterfly pea flower has gained popularity in Western cultures as a superfood and natural dye. The plant is rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins, which have been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Butterfly pea flower is also a naturally occurring pH indicator, which means that its color changes depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the solution it is in.
Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly pea flower is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and DNA, leading to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
The anthocyanins in butterfly pea flower have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. In addition, butterfly pea flower may help improve circulation and boost the immune system.
Uses of Butterfly Pea Flower
Butterfly pea flower can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- Making tea
- Adding to smoothies
- Using as a natural dye
- Making desserts
- Adding to cocktails
Butterfly pea flower tea is a delicious and refreshing drink that is naturally caffeine-free. The tea has a light blue color that changes to purple when lemon or vinegar is added.
Butterfly pea flower can also be used as a natural dye. The flowers can be steeped in water to create a blue dye that can be used to color food and drinks. The dye is also pH-sensitive, so it will change color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the solution it is in.
How to Make Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
To make butterfly pea flower tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. The tea can be sweetened with honey or sugar, and it can also be flavored with other herbs or spices.
Here is a recipe for butterfly pea flower tea:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- Honey or sugar, to taste
Instructions:
- Steep the butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and sweeten to taste.
- Enjoy!
Conclusion
Butterfly pea flower is a beautiful and versatile plant that has a variety of health benefits. The flower can be used to make tea, add to smoothies, use as a natural dye, or make desserts. If you are looking for a new and exciting way to incorporate superfoods into your diet, butterfly pea flower is a great option.
Source: https://healthtipsnow.net/health-benefits-of-eating-a-banana/