Butterfly Pea Flower

Botanical name: Clitoria Ternatea, it is a climbing plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae. Common names: Asian Pigeon Wings, Blue Tea Flowers, Bluebell Vine, Blue Pea, Butterfly Pea, Cordofan Pea, Darwin Pea. In Indian Ayurveda known as Aparajita or Shankhpushpi, also considered auspicious.

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Butterfly Pea flower tea, commonly known as Blue Tea, is a caffeine-free herbal tea or tisane, beverage made by steeping the dried whole flowers of Clitoria Ternatea in hot water to impart its blue colour.

Traditionally grown in tropical climate of India and South East Asian countries, Blue Tea is now become very popular in Europe, UK, Middle East and USA.

Butterfly Pea Flowers (Blue Tea) Manufacturer:
From Jan 2025 we have started cultivation of Butterfly Pea Flowers in our own Girme’s Organic Farms, at Vill. Anandnagar, Po. Akluj, District Solapur, State Maharashtra - 413101, India; where the tropical climate with good sunshine is very suitable for Clitoria Ternatea commercial farming.

Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea

Daily fresh bloom flowers are harvested by hand picking, sorted clean and spread on shelf in solar tunnel drying house for dehydration in one day. Next day the dried flowers are collected, checked, seal packed in air tight PP bags and stored to use for dispatch as per orders.

Girme’s Butterfly Pea Flower (Blue Tea) product:

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Health Benefits of Blue Tea:
Butterfly Pea Flowers - Blue Tea is a popular food trend in recent times owing to the wonderful benefits it confers for human health such as promotes weight loss, detoxifying the body, pacifying the mind, enriching skin texture and improving hair growth.

Butterfly Pea flowers are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins (ternatins), flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds.

In Ayurveda, Blue Tea (from Clitoria ternatea, known as Aparajita or Shankhpushpi) is valued as:

  • Brain tonic (Medhya Rasayana) to boost cognitive function (memory, intellect, attention, self-control).
  • Cooling, detoxifying, antioxidant-rich brew that balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
  • Promotes skin/hair health, relieves stress, and supports overall vitality by combating oxidative stress.
  • Caffeine-free herbal infusion, used for centuries for mental clarity, rejuvenation, and digestive support.
  • Sedative properties, helps combat insomnia (inability to sleep) when consumed after dinner.
  • Stress reliving, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing.

In Chinese medicine the plant has been ascribed properties affecting female libido. For males, the infusion is given to enhance normal sperm production. The flower is also considered to have potent aphrodisiac properties.

Comparison of Green / Black Tea v/s Butterfly Pea
  • Contains caffeine
  • Keeps Awake 
  • Taste bitter
  • Less Benefits   
  • Caffeine free
  • Induces sleep
  • Taste neutral
  • More Benefits
HOW TO USE for 1 Cup (≈ 150 ml)
  • Add 2-3 dried flowers (≈ 0.5g) for 1 cup
  • Steep in hot water for 3-4 mins, strain and drink
  • Can add honey, lemon, etc. to enhance taste

FAQs about Butterfly Pea tea:

Q.1) What is the origin of Butterfly Pea flowers Blue Tea?
Butterfly Pea Flower (Aparajita) is known for its medicinal value in Indian Ayurveda since ancient times. Blue Pea plant is common to most South East Asian countries where Blue Tea has been brewed for centuries but only recently been introduced to tea drinkers outside the indigenous area. In Thailand and Vietnam, Blue Tea mixed with honey and lemon is usually served after dinner, or as refreshment at hotels and spas.

Q.2) How does Blue Tea change its color?
One of the distinctive aspects of Blue Tea is the fact that the liquid changes color based on the pH level of the substance added to it.

For instance, adding a few drops of lemon juice will turn it purple and more deeper shade of purple the more lemon juice is added. Mixed with Hibiscus leaves the tea will turn a bright red color. Butterfly Pea flowers Blue Tea is hence used to add exotic colors in food, beverages and pastries.   

Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea
Blue-Tea

Q.3) How is the taste and flavor of Butterfly Pea flowers Blue Tea?
The flavor of Blue Tea has been described as "earthy and woody - more similar to green tea than it is to Blue Curaçao or Jolly Ranchers.

Q.4) How to use Butterfly Pea flowers Blue Tea ?

  • Steeped as a caffeine-free herbal tea, hot or cold.
  • Used in cooking as a natural blue food coloring.
  • Often enjoyed with a splash of lemon or lime, which changes its color from blue to purple.

Q.5) When is the best time to have Butterfly Pea flower tea and what is the right quantity?
For those who want to lose weight, drinking Butterfly Pea flower tea after meals and before going to bed is the best time as it helps to relax, reduce excess fats and acts as a sedative for better sleep.

However, people should note that only 300-500ml (about 1-2 cups) of Butterfly Pea flower tea is recommended per day (about 5-6 fresh butterfly pea flowers, equivalent to 1-2 grams of dried flowers) to avoid side effects.

Q.6) What are the main nutrients in Butterfly Pea flower?
Butterfly pea flowers are rich in anthocyanin compounds called ternatins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin) and phenolic compounds. Studies suggest these may help reduce inflammation, prevent cancer cell growth and manage obesity.

Q.7) Any side effects or precautions for Butterfly Pea tea usage?
While generally safe, precautions for Butterfly Pea tea include:
• Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women: Consult a doctor; it may stimulate uterine contractions.
• People on Medications: May interact with diabetes drugs, blood thinners, blood pressure meds and diuretics.
• Those with Allergies: If allergic to legumes, you might react.
• People with Low Blood Pressure: Can lower it further
Potential Side Effects
• Digestive Issues: Excessive consumption can lead to discomfort.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible (itching, swelling).
General Recommendations:
• Moderation is Key: Stick to 1-2 cups (around 8 oz) per day.
• Start Small: Test for allergies with a small amount first.
• Listen to Your Body: Stop if you feel any adverse effects.