Botanical Information
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes common peas and beans.
The plant is native to tropical equatorial Asia, particularly South and Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm, humid climates.
Butterfly Pea is a perennial vine that can grow between 1 to 15 feet in height. The spread of this plant ranges from 3 to 6 feet.
It features striking blue flowers that sometimes appear singly or in pairs. Each flower is about 2 inches in diameter with a yellow centre.
The plant has compound leaves with 5 to 7 leaflets. These leaflets are around 1 to 2 inches long, giving the plant a bushy appearance.
For optimal growth, Butterfly Pea prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is adaptable and can tolerate a range of soils, including loam, heavy clay, and both very acidic and very alkaline soils.
Here is a simple table summarising key details:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Height | 1 to 15 feet (30 to 450 cm) |
| Spread | 3 to 6 feet (90 to 180 cm) |
| Flower Size | Up to 2 inches in diameter |
| Native Region | Tropical equatorial Asia |
| Soil Preferences | Well-drained, loam, heavy clay, acidic, alkaline |
| Leaf Structure | Compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets |
The plant’s ability to grow in diverse soil types makes it highly versatile. Its blue flowers are not just visually appealing but are also used in traditional teas, mixed with honey and lemon, which turns them a pink-purple colour due to altered acidity levels.
History and Origin
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea), also known as Asian pigeonwings, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia.
Its vivid blue petals have long been admired and utilised in various cultures. Historical records suggest that its use dates back centuries.
Ancient Uses
In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the butterfly pea flower was valued for its potential health benefits. It was often used to improve memory, reduce stress, and uplift mood.
Geographical Spread
The plant is native to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The Greeks and Romans referred to it as “indigo” due to its vibrant colour.
Culinary Applications
In Thai cuisine, butterfly pea flowers are used to colour rice and desserts. This makes dishes visually striking without relying on artificial dyes.
Table: Common Names
| Region | Common Name |
|---|---|
| Southeast Asia | Asian pigeonwings |
| America | Butterfly pea |
| Europe | Blue pea |
Modern Usage
Today, butterfly pea flowers are popular worldwide. They are known for their unique colour-changing properties when mixed with acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice.
Nutritional Value
Butterfly pea flowers are valued for their vibrant blue colour and health benefits. One cup of brewed butterfly pea tea contains about five calories. It is essentially calorie-free and contains almost no caffeine.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories: 5 or less
- Caffeine: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Carbs: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
Butterfly pea flowers are rich in antioxidants, which are responsible for their signature blue colour. These antioxidants help to neutralise harmful free radicals in the body.
Key Antioxidants:
- Anthocyanins: Known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
- Flavonoids: Important for reducing oxidative stress.
Butterfly pea flower is also used in various forms, including teas, cocktails, and even as a natural food colouring in culinary dishes.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of butterfly pea flowers, visit Dr Axe’s detailed article.
Culinary Uses
Butterfly pea flower is a versatile ingredient in the culinary world. Known for its striking blue colour, it is often used as a natural food dye in various dishes.
In Southeast Asian cuisine, this flower is frequently used to colour rice, such as in Malaysian and Thai recipes. It can turn the rice into a vibrant blue, making the dish visually appealing.
Butterfly pea flower is also popular in beverages. When steeped, it creates a deep blue tea, also known as blue tea. This tea can change colour to purple or pink if acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice, are added.
Here’s a simple way to make butterfly pea flower tea:
- Add 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of dried flowers to 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water.
- Let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
The flower can also be used in cocktails. Mixologists use it to create drinks with unique and vibrant colours. The flowers can be steeped to make an extract, which is then added to various beverages to achieve the desired hue.
In addition to drinks, butterfly pea flowers can be used in desserts. It can naturally colour cakes, puddings, and other sweet treats. The extract’s colour-changing properties add an extra layer of fun and creativity to any dish.
Lastly, the flower is used to make blue rice, a stunning and simple dish. By substituting dried flowers for tea in a 1:1 ratio, chefs can easily achieve the desired blue tint.
Cultivation and Harvesting
Butterfly pea plants, also known as Clitoria ternatea, thrive in warm climates. They require well-drained soil and a sunny location to thrive.
Steps for Cultivation
- Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for around 24 hours before planting to improve germination.
- Planting: Sow seeds one inch deep and space them about four inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogging. Water from the bottom to prevent fungal issues.
Growing Conditions
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 70°F to 90°F.
- Light: Full sun exposure is best, but partial shade is acceptable.
- Soil: Well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Caring for Butterfly Pea
- Fertilising: Apply a balanced fertiliser once a month.
- Pruning: Regular pruning promotes bushier growth and increased flowering.
- Pests: Be vigilant for aphids and apply neem oil as needed.
Harvesting
- When to Harvest: Harvest flowers once they fully bloom.
- How to Harvest: Gently snip the flowers with scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
For more detailed cultivation tips, visit Epic Gardening’s guide on Butterfly Pea.
Butterfly pea plants can also be grown from cuttings. Use a snipper to take a 3 to 5-inch cutting from an older part of the vine. Ensure that you include a bud at the top and place it in well-prepared soil. This method is outlined in The Spruce’s guide to the Butterfly Pea Plant.
Storage and Preservation
To store butterfly pea flowers, keep them in an airtight container. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps maintain their vibrant colour and potency.
For dried butterfly pea flowers, using silica gel packets within the container helps control moisture. This precautionary measure helps prolong their shelf life by preventing mould and mildew.
Refrigeration is another option for longer storage. Placing the container in the refrigerator can help retain freshness, but ensure it remains airtight to prevent humidity exposure.
When using butterfly pea flowers for cooking or tea, always remove the amount needed and quickly reseal the container. This reduces exposure to air and keeps the flowers fresh for a longer period.
Storage Tips:
- Airtight container
- Cool, dry place
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Silica gel packets for moisture
- Refrigeration for extended storage
Do Not:
- Expose to humidity
- Store in warm or damp areas
- Leave the container open for extended periods
For butterfly pea tea, it’s best to store the tea leaves or tea bags in the same manner as the flowers to preserve their quality. Following these guidelines ensures that butterfly pea flowers and tea maintain their vibrant colour and beneficial properties.
Economic Importance
The butterfly pea, also known as Clitoria ternatea, holds significant economic value in various industries.
It is used in the food and beverage industry, where its flowers are used to make butterfly pea flower tea. This tea is popular in countries like Thailand and Vietnam. The unique property of changing colour when mixed with acidic ingredients, such as lemon, increases its market appeal.
The health and wellness sector also benefits from butterfly pea. There is a growing demand due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities make it a sought-after ingredient in dietary supplements and herbal remedies. A study suggests that its extract may help in reducing high blood pressure.
In the beauty industry, butterfly pea is used in skincare and haircare products. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in designing products aimed at improving skin health.
Farmers find butterfly peas economically profitable. It’s not only a low-maintenance crop but also enhances soil fertility by fixing nitrogen. This makes it a dual-benefit plant, useful for both its flowers and for soil health.
The economic benefits also extend to market acceptability. Consumers are increasingly aware of its health benefits and unique visual appeal, making products containing butterfly peas more marketable and profitable.
In various regions, such as the Philippines, it is gaining popularity due to its combined health benefits and market demand, driving economic gains for local growers and producers.
Varieties and Species
Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is known for its striking blue flowers. Besides the common blue variety, there are several other types.
Some varieties of Butterfly Pea produce white or pink flowers. These are less common but equally beautiful.
Notable Species
- Clitoria ternatea: This is the most well-known species, often called Asian pigeonwings or blue pea.
- Clitoria mariana: Known as Marian Butterfly Pea, this species has bright blue flowers and grows in moist, shady areas.
Key Characteristics
Clitoria ternatea:
- Flowers: Blue with yellow centres
- Growth: Well in fertile soil; tolerates loam, heavy clay, and extreme pH levels
Clitoria mariana:
- Flowers: Bright blue
- Habitat: Moist, shady areas, often found on roadsides and abandoned fields
These species are versatile and can adapt to different environments, making them popular in gardens. For more detailed information, you can visit articles on Clitoria ternatea and Clitoria mariana.
Environmental Impact
Butterfly Pea, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea, plays a significant role in its environment. It is a perennial herb that grows as a vine or creeper.
Soil Enrichment
Butterfly Pea is a nitrogen-fixing plant. It enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. This process reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Biodiversity Support
The plant supports a variety of wildlife. Its flowers are a source of nectar for bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination. Additionally, it provides shelter and food for various insects.
Erosion Control
Because it grows as a vine, Butterfly Pea helps prevent soil erosion. Its roots stabilize the soil, making it useful in areas prone to erosion.
Adaptability
Clitoria ternatea thrives in a wide range of conditions, from humid lowlands to sub-humid regions. This adaptability makes it a resilient species capable of surviving climate change.
Potential Challenges
Although it benefits the environment, Butterfly Pea can become invasive. In regions where it is not native, it may compete with local flora, affecting biodiversity. For more on its thorough spread and impact, check the CABI Compendium.
Understanding its environmental impact can help in responsibly managing and cultivating Butterfly Pea.
Interesting Facts
Butterfly Pea, also known as Blue Pea, belongs to the Fabaceae family.
The scientific name for the plant is Clitoria ternatea. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely found in countries like Vietnam and Thailand.
The plant bears vibrant blue flowers, which have been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries.
Butterfly Pea flowers are used to make blue tea. This tea has a unique earthy flavour and is often enjoyed with lemon and honey.
In traditional medicine, Butterfly Pea is known for its potential to enhance female libido. The plant has a long history in Ayurvedic practices.Here is an easy recipe to make blue rice using Butterfly Pea flowers:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers | ¼ cup |
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
The plant is rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which contribute to its vibrant colour.
In addition to its culinary uses, Butterfly Pea is used for dyeing and in cosmetics.
Butterfly Pea has gained attention from the food industry for its striking blue colour, which can change to pink or purple when mixed with acidic substances like lemon juice.
Its use in teas, foods, and cosmetics highlights its versatility and appeal.
Learn more about the history and usage of Butterfly Pea and explore the health benefits attributed to this unique plant.
References and Sources
The butterfly pea flower is known for its vibrant blue colour and various uses in drinks and cosmetics. Clitoria ternatea, as it’s scientifically called, is rich in anthocyanins. These compounds contribute to its unique hue and potential health benefits.
Popular Uses
- Tea and Cocktails: Often featured in blue tea and beverages.
- Cosmetics: Utilised for its colouring and potential skin benefits.
Scientific Insights
- Healthline details the benefits and side effects of the butterfly pea flower.
- According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it has applications in food packaging.
Botanical Information
- The plant is native to Ternate, Indonesia, and belongs to the Fabaceae family. Various names, including bluebellvine, Aprajita, and Darwin pea, are also known for it. For more details, refer to Wikipedia.
Forms of Consumption
- Tisanes: Herbal teas made from the petals or whole flowers.
- Beauty Products: Incorporated for its antioxidant properties.
The butterfly pea flower’s unique properties make it valuable in various industries, ranging from beverages to beauty products.
