Blue Butterfly Pea Dried Flowers (25 g)

The Blue Butterfly Pea flower, scientifically known as *Clitoria ternatea*, is a captivating plant known for its vibrant blue petals and numerous health benefits. This flower has a rich history in traditional medicine and culinary uses, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Antioxidant: The flower is rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress and free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory: The flower’s compounds can help reduce inflammation and pain.
Cognitive Enhancer: It is often used to improve brain function, enhance memory, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Culinary Applications
The Blue Butterfly Pea flower is also celebrated for its culinary versatility. When steeped in hot water, it produces a vibrant blue tea, known as butterfly pea tea or blue tea. This tea can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with other ingredients like lemon juice, which changes its color to a beautiful purple due to a pH reaction. The flowers are also used as a natural food coloring agent in various dishes, such as rice, desserts, drinks.

Preparation and Usage
To prepare dried Blue Butterfly Pea flowers for tea:

1. Drying Process: Fresh flowers are harvested and then dried, either naturally in the sun or using a dehydrator.
2. Brewing Tea: Use 5-7 dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes until the water turns a deep blue color. For a variation, add a few drops of lemon juice to change the color to purple.
3. Storage: Store dried flowers in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency and color.

Whether enjoyed as a tea, a natural dye, or a supplement, the Blue Butterfly Pea flower offers a unique blend of beauty, flavor, and health benefits.