Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (2024)

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (1)

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang)

I am truely excited to come across the butterfly pea flower and the powder in Australia. I have added it to my collection of ingredients for nonya cuisine.

Not only do I have the dried flower, but the powder itself. Remember, I wrote about the shrimp paste in the powder form; this is definitely a huge game changer, as it will cut down the preparation time tremendously when cooking.

The butterfly pea flower is also called Bunga Telang in Malaysian or Indonesian; it means clear vision, or is known by its scientific name cl*toria ternatea.

You can find this plant easily in Malaysia. It can grow the whole year round in warmer temperature. Outside my parents’ home, my mum has the plant growing all over her fence, and sometimes it attracts people from the neighbourhood to stop by and “uninvitingly pluck” the flowers.

We use this flower for its blue colouring by extracting the natural colouring from the flower for the various Nonya kuihs, such as pulut Inti, pulut tatai and Nonya Chang, or even for our everyday rice.

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (2)

Blue (rice) nasi lemak @MyBlueTea

How to extract the colouring from the flower?

There are a few ways to do it.

If you use the fresh flowers, once you remove them from the plant, remove the calyx (the green part of the flower). According to my mum, that part of the flower has no blue dye and so it may “disrupt” or counteract with the proper blue colouring from the flower. (more research on this).

So all you have to do is soak (not boil) the flowers in a cup of boiling water and let it sit for a few minutes for the blue dye to seep through the flower and into the water.

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (3)

If you do not need the flowers immediately, you can dry the flowers and keep them in the refrigerator. To dry – you first place the fresh flowers under the sun until completely dry. Once they are dried, you can keep them in the fridge for a long time.

So to extract the colour from the dried flowers, some people say you boil the flowers until they start releasing the blue colour. However, you can also pour hot boiling water onto the flowers instead of boiling. Give it a go and see which method suits you.

Bunga telang powder

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (4)

Butterfly pea powder in water

Now with the bunga telang powder, things get such easier. We just need to add water to the powder and you get the blue colours straight away. Fast and easy! Check out the video below.

If you are looking for natural colouring, you can now get the bunga telang / butterfly pea powder/flower from the online store.

Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (5)

By Lay Ean Eng|2019-05-03T09:19:13+10:00November 30th, 2017|Nyonya Cuisine Made Simple|4 Comments

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4 Comments

  1. Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (12)

    Alan TanMay 25, 2019 at 7:47 am - Reply

    where do you get the powder pack from? <Malaysia or Australia?

  2. Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (14)

    Sally TangMay 28, 2022 at 2:39 pm - Reply

    Can u buy it in Sydney?

  3. Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (15)

    A.J.June 25, 2022 at 5:20 pm - Reply

    Is there an approximate ‘conversion rate’ from dried flowers to the powder? My recipe uses 15g dried flower but I am not sure how much powder to use as it is my first time using the powder. Thank you 🙂

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Butterfly Pea Flower (Bunga Telang) (2024)

FAQs

How long should butterfly pea flower tea steep? ›

Steep 2-3 dried butterfly pea flowers in boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until the water turns deep blue. Strain the liquid and discard the flowers if desired. Mix with syrup, hot tea if desired.

What is butterfly pea flower tea good for? ›

Butterfly pea flower is a common ingredient in many herbal teas, mixed drinks, and cosmetic products. It is rich in antioxidants and may be linked to several health benefits, including increased weight loss, better blood sugar control, and improvements in hair and skin health.

How much butterfly pea tea should I drink a day? ›

Blue pea tea can be had at any time of the day, but tea experts recommend having it after a meal because it helps aid digestion. 2-3 cups of Blue Tea can be had in one day. Too much of anything is not advisory.

What is the spiritual meaning of butterfly pea flower? ›

Traditionally, the Butterfly Pea flower is said to be ruled by the planet Venus and connected to the element of water, which gives it the attributes of love, emotion, serenity, and protection. In India, this flower is named after Hindu goddess, Aparajita, meaning one who cannot be conquered or defeated.

What happens if I drink butterfly pea tea everyday? ›

Detoxifies the body. The body and its internal organs need to be cleansed, and this is why it is important to have a cup of butterfly pea flower tea every day. It cleanses the liver, the kidneys, the intestines and also the stomach.

Can you drink too much butterfly pea flower tea? ›

There might be some drawbacks to consuming too much butterfly pea flower tea. First, if you do not drink this tea in moderation, you may experience nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Although research is still lacking to establish these side effects, it would be best if you generally consumed it in moderation.

Is Butterfly pea tea good for brain? ›

Improves brain health: Butterfly pea flower contains proanthocyanidin active ingredient, which is very good for the central nervous system because it helps blood easily circulation to the brain. In addition, acetylcholine helps to enhance memory and improve brain-related problems.

How does butterfly pea make you feel? ›

Uplifts Mood. The earthy flavour of butterfly-pea flower tea is said to be a mood enhancer. The tea is said to have stress-busting effects that may also help reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Is butterfly pea flower good for inflammation? ›

It's filled with anti-inflammatory compounds

Butterfly pea flower is deeply rich in antioxidants, says Robinett. That means it can help your body fight back against the damage caused by free radicals, like inflammation and signs of aging in the skin.

Can I drink blue tea before bed? ›

Antioxidants present in the blue tea have a charismatic effect on human body that helps them to lift up their mood and relax their mind. A good cup of blue tea before going to bed ensures that you have a good night's sleep with no work stress.

Does Butterfly pea tea have collagen? ›

Supports collagen structure

In some studies, butterfly pea flower extract has been found to assist with collagen support.

Is butterfly pea a laxative? ›

It also stimulates bile flow from the liver, acting as a mild laxative. Butterfly Pea tea, like many diuretic teas, can aid in weight loss by removing unnecessary waste from the body's digestive system and replacing it with antioxidants.

Which deity is butterfly pea flower? ›

Butterfly Pea Flower has a sacred history of healing

An Ayurvedic brain tonic, the flowers are intentionally grown in temples in India to be used in Hindu worship to pay homage to the goddess Durga, the Lord Shiva, and Aparajita, the “destroyer” form of the goddess Durga.

Does butterfly pea flower help with anxiety? ›

Finally, for mood Butterfly Pea flower offers stress-busting effects that can improve mood and help in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Does butterfly pea help hair growth? ›

Butterfly Pea extract boosts hair growth as it contains a potent bioflavonoid, anthocyanin, which increases blood flow in the scalp, strengthening hair follicles. It is considered one of nature's most effective ingredient for promoting hair growth and darkening hair naturally.

Does butterfly tea help you sleep? ›

Butterfly pea is also high in fiber, so it can help keep your digestive system healthy. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain and inflammation in the body and is a natural sleep aid.

How long does Butterfly pea tea last in the fridge? ›

Storing. If you're making a large amount of the simple blue tea or the sweetened version, it will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you want to have or serve it with lemon or lime juice, just add that when ready to drink.

Is Butterfly pea tea good for high blood pressure? ›

Lowers blood pressure: Consumption of butterfly pea flower tea can help reduce blood pressure. Individuals with elevated blood pressure (hypertension) could consume this. Improves skin health: Blue butterfly pea is rich in antioxidants.

What are the negative effects of butterfly pea flower? ›

There are few side effects associated with butterfly pea flower tea consumption. The main side effects include upset stomach and nausea as well as allergic reactions. As with most herbal teas, butterfly pea flower tea may interact with certain medications.

Is butterfly pea tea a detox tea? ›

Blue teas are steeped with dried butterfly pea flowers or Shangupushpam (cl*toria ternatea), giving it a kerosene-like colour. These antioxidant rich beverage works as a great detox for your body.

Does butterfly pea tea make you sleepy? ›

Helps Ease Stress & May Promote Sleep

Enjoying a cup of it (which is naturally caffeine-free) can help you to feel less stressed and may also help you to fall asleep. In fact, butterfly pea flower has been commonly used throughout the years in Southeast Asian medicine to combat both stress and insomnia.

Is blue tea better than green tea? ›

#6 Blue Tea has been clinically proven to contain much higher amount of antioxidants as compared to Green Tea. #7 Blue Tea not just prevents but also treats Fatty Liver issues by improving hepatic metabolism.

Is butterfly pea good for heart? ›

Promotes heart health

Animal studies suggest that butterfly pea flower extract may lower blood pressure through its vasorelaxation properties — meaning that it helps widen your blood vessels to enhance blood flow ( 7 , 9 ). In addition, it boasts antithrombotic effects.

Is Butterfly pea tea FDA approved? ›

Butterfly Pea Flower Extract has received FDA approval as a color additive. This novel natural blue source is exceptionally heat stable and provides formulators with a beautiful denim blue shade for their library.

Does Butterfly Pea Tea interact with medications? ›

Consumption of Butterfly Pea flower tea has, in some cases, stomach pain. Allergic reactions have been reported in some issues like the Consumption of Butterfly Pea flower tea. Consumption of Butterfly Pea flower tea may not mix well with any medications the user may be taking.

Does PEA increase serotonin? ›

Like its α-methylated derivative, amphetamine, PEA has stimulant effects which lead to the release of so called biogenic amines, including dopamine and serotonin (Bailey et al., 1987; Rothman & Baumann, 2006).

Is PEA good for joint pain? ›

PEA is a promising alternative compound for relieving joint pain. One clinical trial found that PEA was more effective than ibuprofen in relieving the pain of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis [65].

Is butterfly pea good for arthritis? ›

Rich in Antioxidants

Historically, butterfly pea tea was considered a natural remedy for symptoms of numerous ailments, including fever, inflammation, arthritic pain due to collagen degradation and diabetes, just to name a few.

Is butterfly pea flower anti aging? ›

The butterfly pea flower contains anthocyanins and thus, is a natural antioxidant that can delay the aging of the skin and is good for the skin.

Does blue tea reduce belly fat? ›

Weight Loss And Other Benefits Of Blue Tea. Blue tea contains catechins, which are said to be instrumental in burning belly fat and aiding weight loss. Drinking butterfly-pea flowers seeped in warm water is said to be an effective way to rev up the metabolism, which in turn, makes the body burn more calories.

Is blue tea good for diabetes? ›

* Anti-diabetic properties: A cup of blue butterfly tea taken in between meals will inhibit the intake of glucose from the diet and lower blood sugar. Antioxidants in the tea also help the body lower risk of infections, which diabetics are prone to, and it is also great for your heart health.

Does blue tea increase metabolism? ›

Regular consumption of blue tea stimulates the body to burn calories and also boosts the metabolism. It contains Theanine, an amino acid that helps counter the nervous effects of caffeine.

Which tea is best for collagen production? ›

White tea is the least processed tea and contains a high amount of antioxidants. It contains elastin and collagen, which increases the elasticity of the skin, heal the wounds quickly and prevents its premature ageing. White tea is even beneficial for your teeth and bones.

What vitamins are in butterfly pea? ›

Blue butterfly pea flower is caffeine-free. Also, it is loaded with antioxidants, vitamin A, C and E.

Is Butterfly pea tea good for your liver? ›

Effective for Weight Loss

However, butterfly pea is quickly emerging as the new weight loss tea elixir. In fact, a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders found that butterfly pea aids in weight loss by protecting our bodies against fatty liver disease.

How much caffeine does Butterfly pea tea? ›

Butterfly pea flower tea, commonly known as blue tea, is a caffeine-free herbal tea, or tisane, beverage made from a decoction or infusion of the flower petals or even whole flower of the cl*toria ternatea plant.

Does pea give you gas? ›

Beans and legumes

Beans and some other legumes, such as peas and lentils, have a reputation for causing gas. Beans contain high amounts of a complex sugar called raffinose, which the body has trouble breaking down. Beans are also rich in fiber, and a high intake of fiber can increase gassiness.

What is the flower of god? ›

The flower of god is Dianthus caryophyllus or Carnation . The name is a fusion of the Greek words "dios" and "anthos." The Greek god Zeus is depicted by "dios," and "anthos" means flower. That's why the Carnation is recognized as “God's Flower.”

Which is god flower? ›

Marigold is the only flower of the gods that can be distributed with its petals and hence is considered unique. Apart from all the flowers that come under 'Tulsidal,' all others can be offered to The Vighnaharta. That being said, Red Hibiscus is indeed the most preferred flower offered to lord Ganesha.

Which flower is Favourite of god? ›

Hence, the lotus is her favourite flower. If not a lotus, the deity of the highest honour accepts any kind of white and red flowers. To name a few, White Lotus, White Chrysanthemum, Red Rose, White Rose, Tuberose (Rajnigandha) and Arabian Jasmine (Mogra).

Does pea help with depression? ›

Abstract. Phenylethylamine (PEA), an endogenous neuroamine, increases attention and activity in animals and has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients.

Can I put butterfly pea tea on my face? ›

It Has a Soothing Effect on Your Skin.

A study showed Butterfly Pea Flower helps ease skin irritation and itching. It also helps in controlling redness, acne, and dryness. Plus, it has a whitening effect on your skin, meaning it diminishes dark spots.

How long can you store butterfly pea tea? ›

Butterfly pea tea will last about a year if it is stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it is best to consume within six months. The butterfly pea flowers can also be frozen for up to two years.

How long should flowering tea steep? ›

Place the tea flower pod in the bottom of the teapot or mug and pour hot water 3-4 inches above it to allow the flower to fully bloom. Watch the tea bloom unfurl from its tiny ball into a beautiful flower. This usually takes 3-10 minutes. Stir tea gently to even flavor before drinking.

How many minutes should tea steep? ›

Pour the water over the tea and steep for 3 to 7 minutes

Herbal infusions need the most steeping (5 to 7 minutes); white teas need the least (just a minute or two). For every other tea (black, green, oolong, dark), you can probably get away with 3 minutes.

How long soak butterfly peas? ›

The butterfly pea has a reputation as a spotty germinator thanks to a thick, waxy seed coat, which makes it tricky to get the peas to imbibe water. To improve germination rates and speed the sprouting process, simply nick the seed coat and soak seeds in warm water 24 hours before planting.

How many minutes should I steep my tea bag for? ›

Place a tea bag in your favorite cup or mug. Bring water to a rolling boil and immediately pour over your tea bag. Steep for a good 3 to 5 minutes. (Great taste can't be rushed—it really does take the full time to release the tea's entire flavor.)

What happens if you don't steep tea long enough? ›

Steep time is one of the most important things to nail when it comes to brewing up a tasty, balanced cup of tea. Steep the tea for too long, and you'll end up with an unpleasantly strong, bitter cup. Steep the tea for too short a time, and you'll have a weak, flavorless cup of tea.

Should you steep tea twice? ›

Any [high-quality] tea leaves should at least produce two steepings,” Teng says. That said, it's best not to steep most tea bags twice. Usually, tea bags are filled with tea dust, small particles of tea leaves that release flavor very quickly.

Should you squeeze tea bags after steeping? ›

Squeezing Out Tea Bags

It's so tempting to squeeze out every drop of tea goodness after steeping it. But squeezing tea bags is not releasing the extra flavor that you think. Because of the high levels of tannic acid in tea, you're actually making the tea more bitter.

Does steeping tea longer increase antioxidants? ›

In black tea, the most antioxidant activity was found in a short hot water infusion (steeping). Increasing the time in hot water actually reduced antioxidant activity. Green tea showed temperature sensitivity and also time dependence -- prolonged cold steeping (two hours) yielded the most antioxidants.

Should you cover tea while steeping? ›

Always cover your tea when steeping. The tea leaves will unfurl properly when covered. The differing types of tea should be allowed to infuse for the required number of minutes at the appropriate water temperatures listed below. Make sure not to venture too far from your tea when it is brewing.

Is it better to steep or boil tea? ›

Typically, people bring their water to a boil and then put their tea inside of the cup or pot, but that's not the correct way to steep tea. Using boiling water will make the tea taste bitter and diminish the nutrients and minerals in the beverage.

Can you soak pea seeds too long? ›

Each pea variety is in its own plastic container filled half full with water, so the peas are well covered. Only soak seeds for about eight to 12-hours and no more than 24-hours. Over-soaking them could cause them to decompose.

Can you soak peas too long? ›

If they are soaked for longer than 12 hours, they can lose their familiar flavor and become overly mushy.

Why do you Soak peas overnight? ›

It's true, soaking peas overnight in water shortens their cooking time. But soaking isn't entirely necessary. Split peas cook relatively quickly. Unsoaked peas take from 1 to 2 hours of simmering; soaked peas take about 40 minutes.

What happens if you oversteep tea? ›

The steeping process usually takes 3-5 minutes. However, when you over steep tea beyond this time more tannins are released into your cup, so the color turns darker and the flavor becomes bitter from the extra tannins, especially when steeping black tea.

What happens if you boil tea too long? ›

Over Boiling the Water

The water for tea is that which has been freshly boiled, and used immediately when it reaches a boil. Allowing the water to boil for a long time removes valuable oxygen from the water and can result in tea that tastes flat and listless.

Do you put tea bag before or after water? ›

Tea Bags. Bring water to a boil*, and pour over the tea as soon as it reaches boiling. Over-boiling will cause oxygen to be reduced, making the tea taste 'flat'. Use 1 tea bag per cup, or 1 teaspoon of loose tea per cup (6 oz.).

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