Blue Matcha

Butterfly pea is a common name of the Clitoria ternatea plant, part of the vast legume family, that is grown on the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In India, it’s considered a holy flower. Butterfly pea flower tea has been brewed for centuries, but only recently been introduced to the greater globe.

The blue butterfly pea flower has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to enhance memory, promote relaxation and treat stress.

Recent studies have confirmed the health benefits of Butterfly Pea Flower. Chemically, C. ternatea contains antioxidants, flavonoids and peptides, contributing to its medicinal properties. The antioxidant anthocyanin provides the rich indigo blue colour, and is also found in foods like blueberries, raspberries, black rice, black beans, purple grapes and red cabbage. It also contains quercetin, a bioflavonoid studied for its help with upper respiratory tract infections and allergy relief. 

• Butterfly pea flower powder

Create magical blue smoothies, baked goods, lattes and more. Add citrus to create a purple hue. Use 1 teaspoon (2 g) for best results.

Q: Where do you source your blue butterfly peas flowers?
A: Grown in Thailand, our sustainably sourced butterfly pea flower is 100% micro-milled into an extra fine powder to blend easily. It’s then thoroughly tested to ensure it is free from pesticides.

Q: Is it really a pea, like the green peas on my dinner plate?
A: It's directly related. As a member of the legume family, it’s part of the Fabaceae family, which contains almost 20,000 different species! All legumes are nitrogen-fixing plants: they take nitrogen from the air and put it into the soil, where it increases soil quality.

Q: It seems to be used for its fun colouring abilities. What else can you do with Blue Matcha?
A: Traditionally and with some modern spins, blue butterfly pea flowers can add some fun to your plate or cup. Here’s some experiments to try:

• Add a sprinkle to rice to turn it blue
• Blue matcha plus lemongrass plus lemon juice, gives you purple tea
• Adding honey to the above turns it a bit more pink
• Mix it with hibiscus flowers in the tea to turn it a bright red colour
• Make ice cubes from the tea, to cause a drink to change colour as it melts
• It’s also used to make colour-changing gin!

Q: Can I dye other things with it?
A: Sure! Try it as a food colouring in icing and baking, in play-dough or slime, or Easter eggs. It does not seem to be colour fast so won’t hold in fabrics after many washing and wearings. But have fun!

Q: How can I get more quercetin from my diet?
A: Quercetin is found in a variety of foods including apples, berries, Brassica vegetables, capers, grapes, onions, shallots, tea, and tomatoes, as well as many seeds, nuts, flowers, barks, and leaves. Even honey, depending on what flowers they pollinate, can be a source of quercetin.