The butterfly pea plant, Clitoria ternatea, is a vibrant and intriguing botanical specimen. It has garnered global recognition for its beauty and distinctive characteristics, drawing interest from various fields and applications.
Understanding the Butterfly Pea Plant
The butterfly pea plant, Clitoria ternatea, is a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans. It is commonly identified by names like blue pea or Asian pigeonwing. This perennial climbing vine is native to tropical equatorial Asia.
The plant grows as a vine, often up to 15 feet in length, with twining stems and green, pinnate leaves. Its most notable feature is its distinctive, two-inch, deep blue flowers, which typically display a pale yellow or white center. After flowering, the plant produces small, linear pods containing seeds.
The Science Behind its Unique Color
The captivating blue hue of the butterfly pea flower stems from naturally occurring compounds called anthocyanins. These pigments are responsible for the vibrant coloration observed in many plants. Specifically, the blue color in Clitoria ternatea is attributed to ternatins.
These anthocyanins are sensitive to pH levels, allowing the flower’s extract to change color dramatically. When an acidic substance, such as lemon juice, is introduced, the pH drops. This causes the anthocyanins to alter their molecular structure, resulting in a color shift from blue to shades of purple, pink, or red. Conversely, increasing the pH to an alkaline state can cause the color to shift towards green. This makes the butterfly pea flower a natural pH indicator.
Diverse Applications
The butterfly pea flower is utilized in a variety of ways across different cultures and industries, primarily valued for its natural coloring properties. Its vibrant blue extract serves as a natural food coloring for beverages like teas and cocktails. It is also widely used to color culinary creations such as rice dishes, desserts, and traditional pastries. The flowers themselves have a mild taste, making them ideal for coloring without altering food flavor.
Beyond its role in cuisine, the butterfly pea plant has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Chinese, and Thai Traditional Medicine. It has been noted for various traditional applications, such as supporting memory, reducing stress, and addressing respiratory issues. The plant’s extract is also employed as a natural dye for textiles, imparting beautiful blue shades to fabrics.
Important Considerations
The plant is widely considered safe for consumption in food and beverages when used in moderation. However, some anecdotal reports mention side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult a healthcare professional before consumption, as research on its safety in these cases is limited. Individuals with low blood pressure or those on blood pressure medication should also seek medical advice, as the butterfly pea flower may have blood pressure-lowering effects. Dried flowers are commonly used for teas and can be stored in a cool, dry place. Prepared tea or extract can typically be stored in the refrigerator for a few days to maintain its vibrant color and freshness.