Butterfly Blue Pea Flower - Growing, Benefits & Cooking

(Updated Version)

Butterfly blue pea flower, known locally as Bunga Telang in our local Bahasa Malaysia language, is also referred to as Clitoria ternatea and Asian pigeonwings. I simply adore the vibrant blue color of the flowers - simply sensational, wouldn’t you agree? Growing blue pea flower plant is far from complicated; in fact, it’s one of the easiest (ROSELLE - HEALTH BENEFITS & USES). 

Growing

Scatter dried seeds from the blue pea flower plant pods on the ground.
They thrive in various soil types, including clay soil, and can be grown in pots.

Watering is essential, but fertilizers are unnecessary as they grow naturally.

These plants need to be trailed - whether on fences or alongside other trailing plants, they will climb and flourish.
Sunlight is a must, and with Malaysia’s sunny weather, you won’t have a shortage of it.
Cutting off dried stems is important to prevent them from taking up space for new shoots and stems.

These simple tips are all you need. Having grown them for years, I can confidently say that there’s nothing more to it. Initially, I grew them indoors, but eventually moved them to the fence across Nava’s Zen.

 

Benefits

The benefits of Butterfly Blue Pea flower are numerous, offering antioxidants and a variety of health benefits. It aids in weight loss, improves blood sugar control, and enhances hair and skin health. Beyond its health benefits, the Butterfly Pea flower is widely used in beauty products like hair mists, toners, shampoos, and face masks due to its natural properties. Whether boosting your diet or beauty routine, this flower has much to offer (LEMONGRASS - GROWING & CORDIAL). 

 

Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile, with very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet. However, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential side effects, as what works for one person may not work for another.

Cooking

If you’re a rice lover like me, you’ll adore butterfly blue pea flower rice. Easily prepared in a rice cooker, simply mix washed rice with the flower extract (soaked in hot water or soaked in room temperature water overnight) and the right amount of water, adding a pinch of salt if desired. The result is fragrant rice with a subtle floral essence, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes.

You can also make drinks, add it to pancakes or waffles, and for us Malaysians, we add it into our kuih-muih. If you’re not already growing butterfly blue pea flower, it’s time to get started.

(Ms. Nava is a dynamic individual in her 60s, leading yoga sessions at Nava's Zen while also embracing her passion for gardening through Zen Blooming. With credentials in gardening and extensive experience, she cultivates a serene environment that reflects her commitment to Zen, inspiring others to find balance and tranquility in their lives).