Butterfly Pea Flower Powder

Butterfly pea flower powder is made from the dried, ground flowers of Clitoria ternatea, a climbing vine in the pea family that grows across tropical Asia. The flowers have a long history in Southeast Asian kitchens, where they color rice dishes, desserts and the blue tea sold in Thailand as nam dok anchan. The vivid color comes from anthocyanin pigments in the petals and depends on pH: blue to deep blue in neutral liquids, shifting to violet and pink as acidity rises, which is the basis of color changing lemonades and cocktails. The taste is mild and slightly earthy, so the powder carries color without much flavor. It disperses readily in water and its color fades with light exposure, so opaque or UV protective packaging helps keep the shade consistent. It is used in herbal tea blends, drink mixes, ready to drink beverages, baked goods and confectionery.