Blue Butterfly Pea Flowers
The butterfly pea flower, from the Clitoria ternatea plant (also known as Asian pigeonwings), is a striking wildflower in the pea family (Fabaceae). It gets its name from the shape of its blooms where the large, showy petals resemble butterflies in flight. These vivid flowers typically appear in clusters of one to three and can reach up to two inches in length.
Butterfly pea flowers are naturally rich in anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for their brilliant blue hue and unique color-changing properties. Their vibrant color has made them a traditional ingredient in Southeast Asian cultures, particularly in Thailand and Malaysia, where they’ve long been used for their vivid blue tint in textiles, natural dyes, and ceremonial uses.
In addition to their visual appeal, butterfly pea flowers have been appreciated in traditional wellness practices for their calming presence and symbolic connection to memory, focus, and inner peace. They are also commonly associated with beauty rituals, especially in relation to hair and skin care.
The flowers’ dramatic color transformation when combined with acidic substances, such as citrus, makes them a favorite in natural dyeing projects and creative visual applications — including decorative infusions, bath products, botanical crafts, and more.
Note: In Canada, butterfly pea flowers are not currently listed as an approved food or beverage ingredient, and any use should reflect non-ingestible, decorative, or cosmetic purposes in compliance with local regulations.
Ingredients
Butterfly Pea Flowers
Specifications
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Serving Size: 2-3g /cup |
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Steeping Temp: 100°C |
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Steeping Time: 10-15 mins. |
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Origin: India |
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Caffeine: none |
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Certification: Conventional |
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Grade or Quality: Whole Flower |
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Infusion Color: midnight-cobalt blue |