Blue pea Juice

Blue pea juice is made from the petals of the blue pea flower (also known as butterfly pea flower or Clitoriaternatea). The drink is not only stunning due to its bright blue hue, but it's also known for its potential health benefits. Blue pea flower is used in traditional medicine in some parts of the world and is rich in antioxidants.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 10-15 blue pea flowers (you might adjust the quantity based on desired colour intensity)
  • 1 litre of water
  • Sweetener of your choice (like honey, sugar, or stevia) – optional
  • Lemon or lime slices – optional (exciting fact: adding citrus will change the blue hue to a purple one due to the pH change)
  • Pinch of Salt

Instructions

Prepare the Flowers:

Rinsing the blue pea flowers in cold water to remove dust or impurities.

Boil Water:

In a pot, bring the water to a boil.

Steep the Flowers:

Turn off the heat and add the blue pea flowers to the pot once the water has boiled. Allow the flowers to steep for about 10-15 minutes. The longer you steep, the more intense the colour will be.

Strain and Cool:

Remove the flowers and strain the liquid into a pitcher or container, discarding the flowers. Allow the blue pea juice to cool down.

Sweeten and Flavor:

Once the juice is cool, add sweetener. You can also squeeze in some lemon or lime juice to give it a tangy flavour. Note that adding lemon or lime will cause the blue liquid to turn purple due to the change in pH. Add pinch of salt to balance the flavours.

Serve:

Pour the blue pea juice over ice and enjoy!

Health Benefits:

Blue pea flower is believed to have several health benefits, including:

Rich in antioxidants, it can help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Traditionally used for its nootropic effects, potentially enhancing cognitive functions.

It might have anti-inflammatory properties.

Some claim it can alleviate stress and reduce anxiety symptoms, though more research is needed.

However, it is always good to note that while blue pea flower might offer some health benefits, it should not replace traditional medicine or be seen as a cure-all remedy. If you are considering it for health reasons, consulting with a health professional is always good.