You’ve probably heard of some trendy superfoods like turmeric, goji berries, and acai, but there’s a new member of superfoods that’s been gaining lots of attention! Introducing…a blue plant called butterfly pea that turns drinks and foods into magical blue delights! It’s not to be confused with the proprietary spirulina extract called Blue Majik.

What is Butterfly Pea? 

Known by many different names like blue-pea, and Asian pigeonwings, butterfly pea is a plant from the pea family. It is native to Southeast Asia and has been used for centuries in South America, India, and China for its medicinal and culinary benefits!

While we might use the root for juices, the petals are dried in the sun and produce magical shades of blue. The flower can be made into a tea by steeping the petals or ground into a fine powder which is also known as blue matcha.

What Are The Health benefits of Butterfly Pea?

While you may want to try it because of its beautiful blue colour, butterfly pea has lots of health benefits! Early studies have shown potential benefits including…

• Effects against stress and anxiety
• Helps lower blood sugar levels
• Supports healthy vision
• Boosts collagen production

While there is not a lot of scientific evidence to support all the health benefits of butterfly pea, it’s almost universally agreed upon in the nutrition world that consuming butterfly pea won’t be a bad thing!

How to Use Butterfly Pea

Similar to matcha, butterfly pea powder can be used to add to a smoothie, yogurt bowl, or dips and spreads. You can also steep the flowers to make a unicorn tea or mix up a Blue Mylk Latte with warm water or milk. There are also shampoos and conditioners infused with butterfly pea to bring natural tones back to blonde and silver hair for a healthy shine.

If you’re looking for a fun Insta-worthy addition to your regular routine, try it for yourself with my favourite recipe!

Magical Mermaid Latte Recipe 

Ingredients 

• ½ cup coconut or almond milk
• ⅔ cup butterfly pea tea
• ½ tsp coconut oil
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ tsp honey or maple syrup

Directions

1. Steep 1 teaspoon of the loose tea for 5 minutes
2. On medium heat, warm milk, adding the coconut oil to melt. Add vanilla, sweetener of choice, and mix thoroughly.
3. Once the tea has been steeped to a rich blue, add this and the milk to a high-speed blender.
4. Blend on high until light and frothy.
5. Pour, sip, and enjoy!

Have you used butterfly pea before? What did you think?