The butterfly pea plant is a climbing vine that can grow up to 20 feet in length. Its leaves are oval-shaped, and the plant produces clusters of five-petaled flowers that are usually blue, but can also be white, pink, or purple. The flowers are about 1-2 inches in diameter and bloom throughout the year in warm climates.
Butterfly pea tea is made by steeping the dried flowers of the butterfly pea plant in hot water. The resulting tea is a bright blue color and has a slightly earthy taste. Some people like to add lemon or honey to the tea to enhance the flavor. In addition to being a popular beverage, butterfly pea tea is also used as a natural food coloring. The blue color of the tea comes from a group of antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are also found in other blue and purple foods like blueberries and grapes. These antioxidants are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Butterfly pea tea is also used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. In Ayurvedic medicine, the tea is believed to promote healthy hair and skin, improve cognitive function, and help with depression and anxiety. In Thai traditional medicine, butterfly pea tea is used to treat a variety of ailments, including pain, inflammation, and high blood pressure.
In recent years, butterfly pea has gained popularity as an ingredient in cocktails and other drinks. The bright blue color of the tea makes it a popular choice for creating colorful and Instagram-worthy drinks. Some bartenders even use butterfly pea extract to create drinks that change color as they are consumed, adding an element of surprise and whimsy to the drinking experience.
Overall, butterfly pea is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is gaining popularity as an ingredient in food and drink. Its vibrant blue flowers and potential health benefits make it a fascinating plant to explore and experiment with. Check out recipe in our next blog.
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