Summary
The butterfly pea flower is helping farmers in India make money by selling it for tea and dye. This flower is becoming more popular globally due to its natural color and health benefits, attracting interest from Indian entrepreneurs.
Key Facts
- Butterfly pea, a plant with blue flowers, grows in India and is used to make tea or dye.
- The plant is known as aparajita in India.
- There is a rising global demand for natural colorants, boosting interest in butterfly pea flowers.
- In 2021, the US FDA approved butterfly pea flower as a food additive.
- The EU classifies it as a "novel" food, meaning it needs more approval for widespread use.
- Indian entrepreneurs are helping farmers grow and sell the flower, offering training and resources.
- The business opportunity is also helping women in rural areas earn income by harvesting the flowers.
- Thai and Indonesian markets are the current leaders in butterfly pea flower production and consumption.
