08/28/2026
Butterfly pea flower is a gorgeous herbaceous twining perennial vine that blooms late summer. The deep indigo blooms with a hint of white & yellow in the center are packed with anthocyanin, a compound that gives the flower its bright blue color. Anthocyanins are the largest group of water-soluble pigments. These natural pigments contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress. Think of the deep blue color of blueberries. Berries have the highest levels of antioxidants: elderberries, blueberries, blackberries, and bilberries. Antioxidants play a huge role in protecting cells from oxidative stress damage caused by high levels of free radicals. Free radicals are naturally occurring molecules and can enter our bodies from our environment around us. Examples of toxic free radicals in our environment include pesticides, ultraviolet radiation (too much sun exposure), and cigarette smoke. It’s hard to completely avoid toxic free radicals in our environment, however, you can limit your exposure and enjoy an antioxidant-rich diet. Anthocyanins in plants such as butterfly pea flower have other health benefits such as antibacterial, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Butterfly pea’s Latin name is Clitoria ternatea. The scientific name is indeed inspired by female reproductive anatomy. Just like the magic of the feminine, this plant contains magical qualities. A hot water extraction of dried or fresh petals create a brilliant blue hue that will turn magenta with added lemon juice. It changes color in response to a change in pH. Potential hydrogen “pH” is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration in an aqueous solution on a scale that ranges from 1 (acidic) to 14 (basic). A pH of 7 is a neutral solution. The naturally occurring compound, anthocyanin, reacts to the pH with something acidic such as lemon juice turning the blue liquid into magenta before your eyes. The deep blue petals can even serve as a natural dye for fabrics!
This time of year, the plant produces many flowers daily for harvest. I line them on a plate and move them around the next day as they dry. Once dried, I store them in an air tight mason jar. Butterfly pea flowers are a fun addition when making herbal garden infusions, and can be made into a delicious homemade simple syrup enjoyed in color-changing garden mint mojitos.
Cheers to Butterfly Pea Flowers!
🍃💜🍃
