Butterfly Pea Seeds: A Guide to Growing and Using the Beautiful Blue Blooms

Oleh Anonymous October 12, 2023 Post a Comment

Table of Contents

The Basics of Butterfly Pea Seeds

Butterfly pea seeds come from the Clitoria ternatea plant, also known as blue pea or Asian pigeonwing. The plant is native to Southeast Asia but can now be found in tropical regions around the world. The flowers of the plant are a beautiful shade of blue and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, cooking, and dyeing.

Planting Butterfly Pea Seeds

When planting butterfly pea seeds, it is essential to choose a warm, sunny location. The soil should be well-draining and slightly acidic, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in moist soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within 7-14 days.

Caring for Your Butterfly Pea Plants

Once your butterfly pea plants have germinated, they will require regular watering and fertilization. Prune the plants regularly to promote bushier growth, and if necessary, use trellises or stakes to support the vines. The plants will bloom throughout the growing season, producing clusters of beautiful blue flowers.

Using Butterfly Pea Seeds in Cooking

Butterfly pea seeds have long been used in traditional Southeast Asian cuisine. The flowers can be used to color rice dishes, desserts, and drinks. To use the seeds in cooking, simply soak them in water until the water turns a deep blue color. The resulting liquid can be used to color food naturally.

Butterfly Pea Seed Recipes

- Butterfly Pea Flower Tea: Steep a handful of dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Add honey or other sweeteners if desired.
- Blue Rice: Soak a cup of rice in water with a handful of butterfly pea seeds. Cook the rice as normal, and it will turn a beautiful shade of blue.
- Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade: Mix butterfly pea flower tea with lemon juice and sugar for a refreshing summer drink.

Butterfly Pea Seeds in Traditional Medicine

Butterfly pea seeds have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The flowers are said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

Benefits of Butterfly Pea Seeds

- Promote healthy digestion
- Boost immune system
- Improve cognitive function
- Reduce inflammation

Butterfly Pea Seeds in Beauty Products

The beautiful blue color of butterfly pea seeds has made them popular in cosmetic products. They are often used in shampoos, conditioners, and soaps to add natural color and promote healthy hair and skin.

DIY Butterfly Pea Seed Beauty Products

- Butterfly Pea Flower Shampoo: Boil a handful of dried butterfly pea flowers in water for 10 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before using it as a shampoo.
- Blueberry and Butterfly Pea Seed Face Mask: Combine mashed blueberries with crushed butterfly pea seeds and apply the mixture to your face. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing off.

Butterfly pea seeds are not only beautiful but also have a wide range of uses in cooking, traditional medicine, and beauty products. Growing butterfly pea plants is relatively easy, and once you have them in your garden, you can enjoy their stunning blue blooms throughout the growing season.