If you think flowers are just for looking pretty in a vase, think again. Many blooms are not only safe to eat, but they also bring vibrant colors, surprising flavors, and a touch of elegance to everyday meals. Whether sprinkled over a salad, frozen into ice cubes, or candied for desserts, edible flowers instantly turn ordinary dishes into something worth photographing (and devouring).
Edible flowers not only allow you to add color and beauty to dishes, but they also contain vitamins A and C. Research also suggests they may have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, too. So, what are the types of flowers you can eat? This guide to edible flowers describes the unique flavors of each type and provides tips for using the blooms to enhance cakes, cocktails, salads, and more.
Why Should I Use Edible Flowers? "When used properly and safely, edible flowers can add a bright burst of color to food and drinks, along with complex and unique flavors," says Brandi Eide, senior director of facilities and strategic initiatives at San Diego Botanic Garden. "Additionally, some are full of nutrients and health benefits.". You may be surrounded by edible flowers without even knowing it.
Learn about 69 options to turn your dishes into something special now on Gardener's Path. Edible flowers are a beautiful and delicious way to add color and flavor to your meals. These flowers can be used from garnishing salads to infusing syrups.
Try growing some in your own flower garden! Edible flowers infuse unique colors, flavors, and medicinal benefits into your meals. Pick fresh edible flowers from your garden to create delightful dishes. Learn how to make cakes, drinks, jam, infusions, salads, and more with blossoms like bee balm, calendula, lavender, and rose.
Find more fun drinks, homemade summer desserts, healthy salad recipes, and flowers we eat at simplybeyondherbs.com. There are many flowers you can eat: from sweet tasting to spicy flavored, you'll want to check out this list of edible flowers, and add a few to your meals. Here are the basics: Only eat flowers you can positively identify as edible.
Avoid flowers treated with chemicals not intended for food crops. Introduce new flowers into your diet gradually to prevent possible allergic reactions. Learn how to use edible flowers in your cooking.
From pansies to hibiscus, explore floral flavors and gourmet recipes that elevate your meals and drinks.