Are you looking for a way to add a pop of color and a unique flavor to your drinks, desserts, and bakes? Look no further than butterfly pea flower infused syrup! This homemade syrup is made by boiling down a 1:1 water and sugar solution with the amazing butterfly pea flowers. The result is a deliciously sweet and floral syrup that is perfect for adding a beautiful blue hue to your favorite recipes.
Not only does butterfly pea flower infused syrup add a stunning visual element to your creations, but it also has potential health benefits. Butterfly pea flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are known for their antioxidant properties. Additionally, the flowers may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in these areas. So not only is this syrup a fun addition to your kitchen, but it may also be a healthy one.
Origins and History
Butterfly pea flower syrup has a rich history in Southeast Asia, where it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cooking. The butterfly pea flower, also known as Clitoria ternatea, is native to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The flower is commonly used as a natural food coloring agent and is also known for its medicinal properties.
Cultural Significance
In Thailand, butterfly pea flower tea is a popular beverage that is consumed both hot and cold. The tea is often served with a slice of lemon and honey to enhance its flavor. The drink is believed to have a calming effect on the body and mind and is often consumed to relieve stress and anxiety.
In Malaysia, the butterfly pea flower is used to make a traditional dessert called kuih ketan. The dessert is made by steaming glutinous rice that has been mixed with coconut milk and butterfly pea flower juice. The dessert is then topped with grated coconut and palm sugar.
Geographical Spread
Butterfly pea flower syrup has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now enjoyed in many parts of the world. The syrup is commonly used to flavor cocktails, lemonades, and other beverages. It is also used in baking and can be used to make cakes, muffins, and other desserts.
Butterfly pea flower syrup is easy to make at home and requires only a few ingredients. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and can be used to add a pop of color and flavor to your favorite drinks and desserts.
Culinary Uses
Mixology Essentials
This flower infused syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of cocktails and mocktails. The syrup adds a unique blue color to your drinks, which can be a conversation starter at any party. You can mix it with gin, vodka, or rum to create an exotic and refreshing cocktail. The syrup also pairs well with citrus fruits like lime, lemon, and grapefruit.
Here are some cocktail recipes you can try with this flower infused syrup:
- Blue Margarita: Mix tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and butterfly pea flower infused syrup in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
- Blue Lagoon: Combine vodka, lemonade, and butterfly pea flower infused syrup in a glass. Stir well and add ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Blueberry Gin Fizz: In a shaker, mix gin, blueberries, lemon juice, and butterfly pea flower infused syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking and Baking
Butterfly pea flower infused syrup can also be used in cooking and baking to add a unique flavor and color to your dishes. You can use it to sweeten your desserts, glaze your meats, or even add it to your salad dressings.
Here are some ideas for using butterfly pea flower infused syrup in your cooking and baking:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Make your favorite pancake batter and add a tablespoon of butterfly pea flower infused syrup. Mix well and cook as usual. Top with blueberries and maple syrup.
- Glazed Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, garlic, and butterfly pea flower infused syrup. Brush the mixture onto chicken breasts and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Blueberry Salad Dressing: In a blender, mix together blueberries, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, and butterfly pea flower infused syrup. Blend until smooth and drizzle over your favorite salad.
Overall, butterfly pea flower infused syrup is a versatile ingredient that can add a pop of color and flavor to your culinary creations.
Health Benefits
Butterfly pea flower infused syrup is not only a delicious addition to your drinks and desserts, but it also has several potential health benefits. In this section, we will discuss some of the most notable ones.
Antioxidant Properties
Butterfly pea flower is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Some studies suggest that antioxidants may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In fact, according to Healthline, butterfly pea flower has been shown to have a higher antioxidant capacity than many other plant-based foods, including green tea and blueberries.
Traditional Remedies
Butterfly pea flower has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. For example, in Ayurvedic medicine, butterfly pea flower is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat conditions such as arthritis and asthma. Additionally, in traditional Thai medicine, butterfly pea flower is used to improve memory and cognitive function.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of butterfly pea flower, incorporating it into your diet in the form of syrup can be a tasty way to potentially reap some of these benefits.
Preparation Techniques
Infusion Process
To prepare butterfly pea flower infused syrup, you will need dried butterfly pea flowers, granulated sugar, and water. The infusion process involves steeping the dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water and sugar to extract the flavor and color. Here are the steps to follow:
- Boil one cup of water in a pot.
- Add one cup of granulated sugar to the boiling water and stir until it dissolves completely.
- Turn off the heat and add 10-15 dried butterfly pea flowers to the pot.
- Let the flowers steep in the sugar water until the mixture cools down and the flowers have infused the syrup with their blue color and flavor.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers.
The resulting syrup is a sweet, floral syrup with a beautiful blue color that can be used to add flavor and color to a variety of drinks and desserts.
Storage and Preservation
Butterfly pea flower infused syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To extend the shelf life of the syrup, you can add a small amount of vodka or another high-proof spirit as a preservative.
When storing the syrup, make sure to label the container with the date it was made and the expiration date. If the syrup starts to smell or taste off, or if you notice any mold or discoloration, it’s best to discard it and make a fresh batch.
In summary, preparing butterfly pea flower infused syrup is a simple process that involves steeping dried flowers in a sugar water mixture. With proper storage and preservation techniques, you can enjoy the syrup’s sweet, floral flavor and beautiful blue color for up to two weeks.
