Anchan or Butterfly Pea Flowers

Anchan , also known as Butterfly Pea Flowers, are the blossoms of the Blue Butterfly Pea plant (Clitoria ternatea). This plant belongs to the legume family and is widespread throughout Southeast Asia.

The flowers have been used in the region for centuries to make a caffeine-free herbal tea, also known as “Blue Tea” or “Butterfly Pea Tea”. The tea gets its characteristic color from the deep blue petals.

This strong coloring power is also used to dye fabrics or other foods, such as rice. For example, blue-colored sticky rice is a popular component of Thai desserts.

In Thailand and Laos, the flowers are called “Dok Anchan” ( ดอกอัญชัน or ດອກອັນຊັນ), while in Vietnam they are called “đậu biếc”. In English, they are known as “Blue Pea” or “Asian Pigeonwings”.

Usage

• Khao Niau Piak Lam Yai