Organic Butterfly Pea Flower

Organic Butterfly Pea Flower Our butterfly pea flower is the whole dried blossom of Clitoria ternatea, hand-picked and certified organic, with nothing else in the bag. It is naturally caffeine-free and famous for a deep, rich blue infusion that turns purple the moment lemon juice is squeezed into it. The flavor is silky, light and mild, which is why it is used as much for color as for sipping. Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• Whole dried, certified organic Clitoria ternatea blossoms, nothing else
• Naturally caffeine-free
• Deep blue infusion that turns purple with lemon
• Anthocyanins (ternatins), kaempferol and quercetin glycosides, cyclotides
• Steep one teaspoon 3 to 5 minutes, strength to taste
• Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes

The herb. Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a climbing vine in the legume family, Fabaceae, native to tropical Asia. In Thailand and Malaysia the flowers are steeped into a bright blue drink and used to color sticky rice and sweets. The color comes from anthocyanins, a stable group called ternatins, which shift hue with acidity: blue in neutral water, violet with lemon, pink with something more acidic still.

What's in it. The petals carry anthocyanins (the ternatins responsible for the blue), flavonol glycosides such as kaempferol and quercetin derivatives, and a family of cyclic peptides called cyclotides characteristic of this plant. There is no caffeine. The flavor is mild and slightly earthy, with a faint sweetness that takes well to honey, citrus and mint.

Dosage, first time. Infuse one teaspoon of flowers in hot water for 3 to 5 minutes. A longer steep gives a deeper, inkier cup. Strain, squeeze in lemon juice and watch the color change. Strength to taste.

Regular use. Because it is caffeine-free and gentle, most people brew it whenever they like, hot or iced, adjusting the amount of flower for the depth of color. Brewed strong and cooled, it makes a concentrate for lemonades and layered drinks and keeps its color in the fridge for a day or two.

What to expect. Users describe it as calm, clean and refreshing, a tea for slowing down and for impressing guests. It is not a strongly flavored tea; for more character in the cup, blend it with mint or our Lemon Verbena.

Side effects. Butterfly pea flower is widely eaten and drunk as a food ingredient and is very well tolerated. A great deal of it may cause mild nausea or loose stools in sensitive people; brew it weaker or drink less. A legume allergy is rare but possible, so stop use if you notice a reaction.

Interactions and cautions. There are no widely documented interactions with medications, but data is limited, so consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication.

Ingredients and storage. 100% Organic Butterfly Pea Flowers (Clitoria ternatea). Store sealed in a cool, dry, dark place; light fades the blue over time.

Common questions

• Why does butterfly pea flower tea change color? The anthocyanin pigments in the petals react to acidity, so adding lemon shifts the infusion from blue to purple.
• Does butterfly pea flower have caffeine? No, the flowers are naturally caffeine-free.
• What does butterfly pea flower taste like? Very mild, slightly earthy and faintly sweet.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Butterfly pea flower is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.