Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, offers numerous benefits. You can easily grow them with the seeds, whether in a pot or on the ground, and they will sprout easily, even without fertilizer. This makes them a convenient choice for gardening enthusiasts (Cultivating Convenient Gardening). The plant is well-suited for the Asian climate, thriving in warm and tropical environments. In Nava's Zen garden, I cultivate these flowers on the fence, enjoying their vibrant blooms and reaping the benefits they offer. I harness their extract as a natural and preservative-free ingredient for cooking. One delightful dish I create is Butterfly Blue Flower Rice, or Nasi Bunga Telang. 

The preparation is simple: 
Either soak the flowers overnight or extract the color by pouring hot water over them. 

Combine the extract with an appropriate amount of water, add washed rice, and a pinch of salt, if desired, in a rice cooker. 

Allow the rice cooker to work its magic. 
The outcome is a wonderfully fragrant rice with a subtle floral essence that pairs well with most dishes. 

Additionally, the Butterfly Blue Pea flower is rich in antioxidants, which contribute to overall health (Lemongrass Honey Tea). It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing inflammation in the body. Some studies suggest that the flower may even have cognitive benefits, enhancing memory and brain function. Furthermore, it acts as a natural stress reliever, promoting relaxation (Eco Friendly Delights) and tranquility. On top of that, the flower is used in traditional beauty remedies due to its potential benefits for the skin and hair, nourishing the skin and enhancing hair strength and luster. 

Consider exploring the extract's usage in Nasi Kerabu BiruKelantan/Kelantanese Blue Herbs Rice or  Blue Pea Lemongrass Rice for a unique culinary experience with added health and beauty.