Chemical Composition

Butterfly pea flower powder concentrates delphinidin-based anthocyanins that reach 40 ppm in fully open petals, far exceeding many edible flowers. These pigments and their glycosides provide the colour-change spectacle and deliver potent free-radical scavenging activity. The powder also supplies proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and trace minerals such as iron and potassium while remaining fat-free and very low in calories: about 5 kcal per half-teaspoon serving

Origin & Nutritional Composition

The climber thrives in warm, humid regions of Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam where flowers are hand-picked at dawn, then shade-dried below 45 °C to preserve heat-sensitive anthocyanins.

Freeze-dry or low-temp air-dry methods maintain colour and antioxidant integrity, after which petals are fine-milled into butterfly pea flower powder with no fillers or dyes.

One teaspoon yields roughly 10 kcal, two grams carbohydrate, and a meaningful dose of antioxidant activity without caffeine

Reported Health Benefits

In vitro and animal studies show butterfly pea flower powder’s anthocyanins mitigate oxidative stress and may support healthy blood-pressure regulation pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov . 

S-aponins in the powder demonstrate mild glucose-modulating and lipid-lowering potential, complementing its reputation for calm focus in Ayurvedic practice pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov . 

The vibrant flavonoids also contribute to eye-health defence by absorbing blue-light and reducing retinal oxidation

Cultural Significance & Historical Significance

Known locally as nam dok anchan tea, butterfly pea drinks appear in Thai weddings for luck and in Malay nasi kerabu blue rice, turning magenta when lime is added . In traditional medicine the blossom was brewed for memory, calm nerves, and glossy hair, while modern baristas rename it “blue matcha” for latte art

Flavor Profile

Butterfly pea flower powder carries a gentle earthy-woody note similar to green tea with whispers of fresh garden pea; it is not inherently sweet, allowing chefs to steer recipes toward savoury or sweet

Functional Use

Blend one half-teaspoon of butterfly pea flower powder into steamed milk for an indigo latte, then swirl lemon juice to watch violet bloom, the colour shift stems from anthocyanin pH sensitivity.

Whisk into rice crêpe batter, marshmallows, or gin tonics; acidity toggles the hue so dessert layers can graduate from blue to pink. The powder also colours natural cosmetics and soap without synthetic dyes

Fun Tidbits

• Astronaut-themed cafés use butterfly pea blend “galaxy drinks” for cosmic gradients.
  
  
• Unlike spirulina, the powder is heat-stable in baking up to 180 °C.
  
  
• Add vinegar to dish-soap coloured with butterfly pea and children learn acid-base science through play.
  

At La Botanique Sacrée we select butterfly pea flower powder for its theatrical pigment, antioxidant potency, and filler-free processing. It embodies our modern-apothecary aesthetic

Products Featuring Butterfly pea flower powder

• Poivre Bleu – fierce four-pepper blend tinted deep sapphire by butterfly pea flower powder