Dried butterfly pea flowers, also known as Clitoria ternatea, are a popular ingredient in many traditional medicines, teas, and culinary dishes. These stunning blue flowers, which grow in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, have been used for centuries for their health benefits, including reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
In addition to their medicinal properties, butterfly pea flowers are also used to create a beautiful, natural blue dye that has been used to color food and clothing. They are commonly used to add color and flavor to teas, cocktails, and desserts, as well as savory dishes like rice and noodles.
One of the most appealing things about dried butterfly pea flowers is their versatility in the kitchen. They can be brewed into a soothing tea, blended into smoothies, or even used to create a vibrant, all-natural food coloring. With their unique flavor and stunning blue color, dried butterfly pea flowers are a must-try for anyone looking to experiment with new and exciting ingredients in their cooking and baking.
How to make a Butterfly Pea Flowers
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons dried butterfly pea flowers
- 1-2 cups of water
- Optional: honey or sugar to taste, lime or lemon juice
Instructions:
- Boil the water in a kettle or on the stove until it reaches around 180°F to 200°F (82°C to 93°C).
- Rinse the dried butterfly pea flowers under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
- Place the flowers in a teapot or heat-resistant glass.
- Pour the hot water over the flowers and let them steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength. The longer the steeping time, the darker the color and stronger the taste.
- Strain the tea using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another teapot or cup.
- If desired, add honey or sugar to taste and stir until dissolved.
- For a citrusy twist, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to the tea and stir.
- Serve hot or chill in the refrigerator for iced butterfly pea tea.
Enjoy your beautiful blue butterfly pea tea!