Clitoria ternatea is a plant from the family
Fabaceae and is commonly found throughout
South East Asia. The bright blue petals from the flowers of the butterfly-pea plant have been used as an ingredient in
herbal tea drinks throughout the region for centuries as well as used in cooking. The blue flower imparts its blue color when steeped in warm or hot water, leading it to being used as a dye, as well as to add color to various foods such as the rice dish
nasi kerabu. In
Thailand and
Vietnam the butterfly blue pea flower tea is commonly mixed with honey and lemon for a drink usually served after dinner, or a refreshment at hotels and spas, a preparation called
nam dok anchan in Thai. The
nam dok anchan drink has been described as being a typical local drink like
chamomile tea is in other parts of the world. For centuries, butterfly pea flower tea was only known in South East Asia but in recent years, through the proliferation of
travel shows and
food blogging, it has become known outside its area of origin. It is not readily available in supermarkets, primarily offered by specialty online retailers. The flavor of the tea has been described by
Bon Appétit as "earthy and woody—more similar to a fine
green tea than it is to
Blue Curaçao or
Jolly Ranchers". ==Popularity and color properties==