Blue is not a color we often associate with food.
Besides the jewel-like shade of blueberries or a rich indigo heirloom corn kernel, vibrant sapphire and sky blue just aren’t typically synonymous with things we eat—which makes this antioxidant-loaded flower just that much more mystical.
We’re talking about Clitoria ternatea, otherwise known as the butterfly pea flower. If that technical name made you do a double-take, it’s not without good reason. The flower itself has a distinctly yonic appearance for an ultra-feminine look in its bright blue petals.
The flower can be dried whole and used for tea, or it can be found in powdered form and mixed into lattes and other foods for a memorable, playful, and natural food coloring with lots of nutritional benefits.
Here are a few superpowers this pretty little flower offers our bodies:
These flowers are full of the active compound proanthocyanidin, which helps boost blood circulation to the brain. This is great for cognition, memory retention, creating new neural connections, and is important for the overall central nervous system.
Like most plants that tout a bold, distinctive, or dark color, these flowers are incredibly high in antioxidants such as the superoxide dismutase enzyme that scavenge age-accelerating free radicals. Butterfly pea has powerful anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, essentially making it a shield to environmental aggressors.
Extracts of the flower have been shown to reduce hypertension and the effects of cardiac dysfunction, which, when coupled with its anti-inflammatory effects, benefits the entire body.
It also contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidin, which helps boost blood flow to the capillaries in the eyes to improve vision, even for those with glaucoma, blurred vision, or at risk for cataracts. It can even reverse retinal damage!
When brewed, the tea tastes slightly sweet and a little earthy. It’s free of caffeine, so you can enjoy it any time. We love having it in the evening with a touch of honey and lemon.
Fun fact—the acid from lemon juice will turn your bright blue tea into a rich shade of purple for a unicorn-like, color-changing effect. Can be enjoyed hot for a comfy cozy feel, or iced for an ultra-refreshing pick-me-up.
It’s truly a beauty magic potion.
Up next, be the first to know our weekly content and sign up for our Poosh newsletter.
