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Edible flowers are the new rage in haute cuisine
Photo of edible flowers picked in Linda's garden in July (lavender, thyme, dill, cilantro, day lily, squash blossom,
Nasturtiums, chives, and basil).
After falling out of favor for many years, cooking and garnishing with flowers is back in vogue
once again. Flower cookery has been traced back to Roman times, and to the Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Indian cultures. Edible
flowers were especially popularin the Victorian era during Queen Victoria's reign.
Today, many restaurant chefs and innovative home cooks garnish their
entrees with flower blossoms for a touch of elegance. The secret to
success when using edible flowers is to keep the dish simple, do not add
to many other flavors that will over power the delicate taste of the
flower. Today this nearly lost art is enjoying a revival.
One very important thing that you need to remember is that not every flower is edible.
In fact, sampling some flowers can make you very, very sick.
You also should
NEVER use pesticides or other chemicals on any part of any plant that produces blossoms you plan to eat.
Never harvest flowers growing by the roadside.
Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers.
Always remember to use flowers sparingly in your recipes
due to the digestive complications that can occur with a large consumption rate. Most herb flowers have a taste that's
similar to the leaf, but spicier. The concept of using fresh edible flowers in cooking is not new.
How To Choose Edible Flowers - Edible Flower Chart:
Begonia - Tuberous begonias and Waxed begonias
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Tuberous Begonias
(Begonia X tuberosa) -
The leaves, flowers, and stems are edible. Begonia blossoms have a citrus-sour taste. The
petals are used in salads and as a garnish. Stems, also, can be used in place of rhubarb.
The flowers and stems contain oxalic acid and should not be consumed by individuals
suffering from gout, kidney stones, or rheumatism.
Wax Begonias
(Begonia cucullata)
- The fleshy leaves and flowers are edible raw or
cooked. They can have a slight bitter after taste and if in water most of the time, a hint of swamp in their flavor.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) -
Also called Marigolds. A wonderful edible flower. Flavors range from spicy to
bitter, tangy to peppery. Their sharp taste resembles saffron (also known as Poor
Man’s Saffron). Has pretty petals in golden-orange hues. Sprinkle them on soups,
pasta or rice dishes, herb butters, and salads. Petals add a yellow tint to soups, spreads, and scrambled eggs.
Only the pedals are edible.
Carnations (Dianthus
caryophyllus - aka Dianthus) - Carnations can be steeped in wine, candy, or use as cake
decoration. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away from the
bitter white base of the flower. Dianthus are the miniature member of the carnation family
with light clove-like or nutmeg scent. Petals add color to salads or aspics. Carnation
petals are one of secret ingredients that has been used to make Chartreuse, a French
liqueur, since the 17th century.
Chrysanthemums
(Chrysanthemum coronarium) - Tangy,
slightly bitter, ranging in colors from red, white, yellow and orange. They range in taste
from faint peppery to mild cauliflower. They sould be blanched first and then scatter the
petals on a salad. The leaves can also be used to flavor vinegar. Always remove the bitter
flower base and use petals only. Young leaves and stems of the Crown Daisy, also known as
Chop Suey Greens or Shingiku in Japan, are widely used in oriental stir-fries and as salad seasoning.
Clover (Trifolium species) - Sweet,
anise-like, licorice. White and red clover blossoms were used in folk medicine against gout, rheumatism,
and leucorrhea. It was also believed that the texture of
fingernails and toenails would improve after drinking clover blossom tea.
Native Americans used whole clover plants in salads, and made a white clover
leaf tea for coughs and colds. Avoid bitter flowers that are turning brown, and choose those
with the brightest color, which are tastiest. Raw flower heads can be difficult to digest.
Cornflower (Centaurea cynaus) - Also called Bachelor’s button. They have a slightly sweet to spicy, clove-like
flavor. Bloom is a natural food dye. More commonly used as garnish.
Dame's Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) - Also called Sweet Rocket or Dame's Violet.
This plant is often mistaken for Phlox. Phlox has five petals, Dame's Rocket
has just four. The flowers, which resemble phlox, are deep lavender, and
sometimes pink to white. The plant is part of the mustard family, which
also includes radishes, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and, mustard. The
plant and flowers are edible, but fairly bitter. The flowers are attractive
added to green salads. The young leaves can also be added to your salad
greens (for culinary purposes, the leaves should be picked before the plant
flowers). The seed can also be sprouted and added to salads. NOTE: It is not
the same variety as the herb commonly called Rocket, which is used as a green in salads.
Dandelions (Taraxacum officinalis) - Member of the Daisy family. Flowers are sweetest when picked young. They have a sweet, honey-like flavor. Mature flowers are bitter.
Dandelion buds are tastier than the flowers: best to pick these when they
are very close to the ground, tightly bunched in the center, and about the
size of a small gumball. Good raw or steamed. Also made into wine. Young leaves taste good steamed, or tossed in salads. When
serving a rice dish use dandelion petals like confetti over the rice.
 Day Lilies (Hemerocallis species) - Slightly sweet with a mild vegetable flavor, like sweet lettuce or melon. Their flavor is
a combination of asparagus and zucchini. Chewable consistency. Some people think that different colored blossoms
have different flavors. To use the surprisingly sweet petals in desserts, cut them away
from the bitter white base of the flower. Also great to stuff like squash blossoms.
Flowers look beautiful on composed salad platters or crowning a frosted cake. Sprinkle the
large petals in a spring salad. In the spring, gather shoots two or three inches tall and
use as a substitute for asparagus.
NOTE: Many Lilies contain alkaloids and are NOT edible. Day
Lilies may act as a diuretic or laxative;
eat in moderation.
English Daisy (Bellis
perennis) - The flowers have a mildly bitter taste and
are most commonly used for their looks than their flavor. The petals are used as a garnish
and in salads.
Fruit Flowers:
Most fruit trees are usually sprayed just before and during the bloom. If you are using you own flowers that have not sprayed, use
only the pedals, not the pistils or stamen.
Apple Blossoms (Malus species) - Apple Blossoms have a delicate floral flavor and aroma. They are a
nice accompaniment to fruit dishes and can easily be candied to use as a garnish.
NOTE: Eat in moderation as the flowers may contain cyanide precursors. The seeds of the apple fruit and their wild relations are poisonous.
Banana Blossoms (Musa paradisiaca) - Also know as Banana Hearts. The flowers are a purple-maroon torpedo shaped growth
appears out of the top of usually the largest of the trunks. Banana blossoms are used in Southeast Asian cuisines. The blossoms can be cooked or eaten raw. The tough covering
is usually removed until you get to the almost white tender parts of the blossom. It should be sliced and let it sit in water until most of the sap
are gone. If you eat it raw, make sure the blossom comes from a variety that isn't bitter. Most of the Southeast Asian varieties aren't bitter.
Citrus Blossoms (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat) - Use highly scented waxy petals sparingly.
Distilled orange flower water is characteristic of Middle Eastern pastries and beverages.Citrus flavor and lemony.
Elderberry Blossoms
(Sambucus spp) - The blossoms are a creamy color and have a sweet scent and sweet taste. When
harvesting elderberry flowers, do not wash them as that removes much of the fragrance and
flavor. Instead check them carefully for insects. The fruit is used to make wine.
The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries.
NOTE: All other parts of this plant, except the berries, are mildly toxic! They contain a bitter alkaloid and glycoside
that may change into cyanide. The cooked ripe berries of the edible elders are harmless. Eating uncooked berries may cause nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea
Fuchsia (Fuchsia X hybrida) - Blooms have a slightly acidic flavor. Explosive colors and graceful shape make it ideal as
garnish. The berries are also edible.
Garden Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) - Sorrel flowers are tart, lemon tasting. So use like a lemon: on pizza, a salad
topping, in sauces, over cucumber salads.
Gladiolus (Gladiolus spp) - Flowers (anthers removed) have a nondescript flavor (taste
vaguely like lettuce) but make lovely receptacles for sweet or savory spreads or mousses. Toss individual petals in
salads. It can also be cooked like a day lily.
Herb Flowers:
Most herb flowers are just as tasty as the foliage and very attractive when used in your salads. Add some petals to any dish you were already going to flavor
with the herb.
 Alliums (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) - Known as the "Flowering Onions."
There are approximately four hundred species that includes the familiar onion, garlic, chives, ramps, and shallots. All members of this genus are edible. Their flavors range
from mild onions and leeks right through to strong onion and garlic. All parts of theplants are edible. The flowers tend to have a stronger flavor than the leaves and the
young developing seed-heads are even stronger. We eat the leaves and flowers mainly insalads. The leaves can also be cooked as a flavoring with other vegetables in soups, etc.
Chive Blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum) - Use whenever a light onion flavor and aroma is desired. Separate
the florets and enjoy the mild, onion flavor in a variety of dishes.
Garlic Blossoms (Allium sativum) - The flowers can be white or pink, and the stems are flat instead of round.
The flavor has a garlicky zing that brings out the flavor of your favorite food. Milder
than the garlic bulb. Wonderful in salads.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - Depending on the variety, flower range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose.
It has a flavor similar to licorice. Angelica is valued culinary from the seeds and
stems, which are candied and used in liqueurs, to the young leaves and shoots, which can
be added to a green salad. Because of its celery-like flavor, Angelica has a natural
affinity with fish. The leaves have a stronger, clean taste and make a interesting addition to salads. In its
native northern Europe, even the mature leaves are used, particularly by the Laplanders,
as a natural fish preservative. Many people in the cold Northern regions such as
Greenland, Siberia, and Finland consider Angelica a vegetable, and eat the stems raw,
sometimes spread with butter. Young leaves can be made into a tea.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) -
Both flowers and leaves have a delicate anise or licorice flavor.
Some people say the flavor reminds them of root beer. The blossoms make attractive plate
garnishes and are often used in Chinese-style dishes. Excellent in salads.
 Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - Depending on the type, the flowers are either bright white, pale pink, or a delicate
lavender. The flavor of the flower is milder, but similar to the leaves of the same plant. Basil also has different varieties that have different milder flavors
like lemon and mint. Sprinkle them over salad or pasta for a concentrated flavor and a spark of color thatgives any dish a fresh, festive look.
Linguine with Tomatoes and Basil
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) - Also called Wild Bergamot, Wild Oswego Tea, Horsemint, Monarda. Wild bee balm tastes
like oregano and mint. The taste of bee balm is reminiscent of citrus with soft mingling of lemon and orange. The red flowers have a minty flavor. Any place you use oregano, you
can use bee balm blossoms. The leaves and flower petals can also be used in both fruit and regular salads. The leaves taste like the main ingredient in Earl Gray Tea
and can be used as a substitute.
 Borage (Borago officinalis) - Has lovely cornflower blue star-shaped flowers. Blossoms
and leaves have a cool, faint cucumber taste. Wonderful in punches, lemonade, gin and tonics, sorbets, chilled soups, cheese tortas, and dips.
Burnet (Sanquisorba minor - The taste usually is likened to that of cucumbers, and burnet can be used
interchangeably with borage.
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) - Chervil flowers are delicate white flowers with an anise
flavor. Chervil's flavor is lost very easily, either by drying the herb, or too much heat. That is why it should be
added at the end of cooking or sprinkled on in its fresh, raw state in salads.
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) - Earthy flavor, eat either the petals or the buds. Chicory has a pleasant,
mild-bitter taste that has been compared to endive. The buds can be pickled.
Cilantro/Coriander (Coriander sativum) - Like the leaves and seeds, the flowers have a strong herbal flavor. Use leaves and
flowers raw as the flavor fades quickly when cooked. Sprinkle to taste on salads, bean dishes, and cold vegetable dishes.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - It has a star-burst yellow flowers that have a mild anise flavor. Use with desserts or cold soups, or
as a garnish with your entrees.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - The white variety of ginger is very fragrant and has a gingery taste on the
tongue. Petals may be eaten raw or you can cook the tender young shoots.
Jasmine (jasmine officinale) - The flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea.
True Jasmine has oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers.
NOTE: The false Jasmine is in a completely different genus, "Gelsemium", and family, "Loganiaceae",
is considered too poisonous for human consumption. This flower has a number of common names including yellow jessamine or jasmine, Carolina jasmine or jessamine,
evening trumpetflower, gelsemium, and woodbine.
 Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Sweet, floral flavor, with lemon and citrus notes. Flowers look beautiful and taste
good too in a glass of champagne, with chocolate cake, or as a garnish for sorbets or ice creams. Lavender lends itself to savory dishes also, from hearty stews to wine-reduced
sauces. Diminutive blooms add a mysterious scent to custards, flans or sorbets.
NOTE: Do not consume lavender oil unless you absolutely know that it has not be sprayed and is culinary safe.
Cottage Cheese-Herb Bread
Crostini with White Truffle and Olive Paste
Grilled Pork Chops with Lavender Flowers
Lavender Creme Brulee
Lavender Focaccia
Lavender Hazelnut Bread
Lavender Jelly
Lavender Sorbet
Lavender Tea Cookies
Peppered Lavender Beef
Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) - Tiny cream-colored citrus-scented blossoms. Leaves and flowers
can be steeped as an herbtea, and used to flavor custards and flans.
Marjoram
(Origanum majorana) - Flowers are a milder version of plant's leaf. Use as you would the herb.
Mint (Mentha spp) - The flavor of the flowers are minty, but with different overtones depending on the variety. Mint
flowers and leaves are great in Middle Eastern dishes.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - Milder version of plant's leaf. Use as you would the herb.
 Rosemary
- Milder version of leaf. Fresh or dried herb and blossoms enhance flavor of
Mediterranean dishes. Use with meats, seafoods, sorbets or dressings.
Lemon Rosemary Chicken
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) - The dried flowers, Mexican saffron, are used as a food colorant in place of the more
aromatic and expensive Spanish saffron.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) - The flowers are violet-blue, pink or white up to 1 3/8 inches long, small, tubelike, clustered
together in whorls along the stem tops. Flowers have a subtler sage taste than the leaves and can be used in salads and as a garnish.
Flowers are a delicious companion to many foods including beans, corn dishes, sauteed or stuffed mushrooms, or pesto sauce.
Savory (Satureja hortensis) - The
flavor of the flowers is somewhat hot and peppery and similar to thyme.
Thyme (Thymus spp.) - Milder version of leaf. Use sprigs as garnish or remove flowers and sprinkle over
soups, etc. Use thyme anywhere a herb might be used.)
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) - Cranberry-like flavor with citrus overtones.
Use slightly acidic petals sparingly in salads or as garnish. The flower can be dried to make an exotic tea.
Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) - Very bland tasting flavor.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) - Sweet honey flavor. Only the flowers are edible.
NOTE: Berries are highly poisonous - Do not eat them!
Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana) - The flowers have a sweet flavor. They can be used as a garnish in salads
or floated in drinks.
Johnny-Jump-Ups (Viola tricolor) - Lovely yellow, white and purple blooms have a mild wintergreen flavor and can be
used in salads, to decorate cakes, or served with soft cheese. They are also a great addition to drinks, soups, desserts or salads.
Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) - The flavor of lilacs varies from plant to plant. Very
fragramt, slightly bitter. Has a distinct lemony taste with floral, pungent overtones. Great in salads and crystallized with egg whites and sugar.
Linden (Tilla spp.) - Small flowers, white to yellow was are delightfully fragrant and have a honey-like
flavor. The flowers have been used in a tea as a medicine in the past.
NOTE: Frequent consumption of linden
flower tea can cause heart damage.
Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia - aka T. signata) - The
marigold can be used as a substitute for saffron. Also great in salads as they have a citrus flavor.
Nasturtiums Tropaeolum majus) - Comes in varieties ranging from trailing to upright and in brilliant sunset colors with
peppery flavors. Nasturtiums rank among most common edible flowers. Blossoms have a sweet,spicy flavor similar to watercress. Stuff whole flowers with savory mousse. Leaves add
peppery tang to salads. Pickled seed pods are less expensive substitute for capers. Useentire flowers to garnish platters, salads, cheese tortas, open-faced sandwiches, and
savory appetizers.
 Pansy (Viola X wittrockiana) - Pansies have a slightly sweet green or grassy flavor. If you eat only the petals,
the flavor is extremely mild, but if you eat the whole flower, there is a winter, green overtone. Use them as garnishes, in fruit salads, green salad, desserts or in soups.
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) - In China the fallen petals are parboiled and
sweetened as a tea-time delicacy. Peony water was used for drinking in the middle ages. Add peony petals to your summer salad or try floating in
punches and lemonades.
Phlox, Perrennial Phlox (Phlox paniculata) - It is the perennial phlox, NOT the annual, that is edible.
It is the high-growing (taller) and not the low-growing (creeping) phlox that grows from 3 to 4 feet tall. Slightly spicy taste. Great in fruit salads. The flowers
vary from a Reddish purple to pink, some white.
Pineapple Guave (Feijoa sellowians) - The flavor is sweet and tropical, somewhat like a freshly picked ripe
papaya or exotic melon still warm from the sun.
Primrose (Primula vulgaris) - Also know as Cowslip. This flower is colorful with a sweet, but bland taste.
Add to salads, pickle the flower buds, cook as a vegetable, or ferment into a wine.
Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) - Also known as Wild Carrot and Bishop's Lace.
It is the original carrot, from which modern cultivars were developed, and it is edible with a light carrot flavor. The flowers are small and white,
and bloom in a lacy, flat-topped cluster. Great in salads.
NOTE: The problem is, it is closely related to, and looks almost
exactly like another wild plant, Wild or Poison Hemlock, which often grows profusely in similar habitats, and is said to be the most poisonous plant native to
the United States. The best way to differentiate between the two plants is to remember that Queen Anne's Lace has a hairy stem, while the stems of
Wild Hemlock are smooth and hairless and hollow with purple spots.
 Roses (Rosa rugosa or R. gallica officinalis) - Flavors depend on type, color, and soil conditions.
Flavor reminiscent of strawberries and green apples. Sweet, with subtle undertones ranging from fruit to mint to spice. All roses are
edible, with the flavor being more pronounced in the darker varieties. In miniature
varieties can garnish ice cream and desserts, or larger petals can be sprinkled on desserts or salads. Freeze them in ice cubes and float them in punches also. Petals used
in syrups, jellies, perfumed butters and sweet spreads. NOTE: Be sure to remove the bitter white portion of the petals.
Rose Petal Jam
Rose Petal Drop Scones
Rose Petal Tea
Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium species) - The flower flavor generally corresponds to the variety. For
example, a lemon-scented geranium would have lemon-scented flowers. They come in fragrances from citrus and spice to fruits and flowers, and usually in colors of pinks and
pastels. Sprinkle them over desserts and in refreshing drinks or freeze in ice cubes.
NOTE: Citronelle variety may not be edible.
Snap Dragon (Antirrhinum majus) - Delicate garden variety can be bland to bitter. Flavors depend on type, color, and
soil conditions. Probably not the best flower to eat.
Sunflower (Helianthus annus) - The flower is best eaten in the bud stage when it tastes similar to artichokes. Once
the flower opens, the petals may be used like chrysanthemums, the flavor is distinctly bittersweet. The unopened flower buds can
also be steamed like artichokes.
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) - Also known as Wild Baby's Breath. The flower flavor is sweet and grassy with a
hint of nutty, vanilla flavor.
NOTE: Can have a blood thinning effect if eaten in large amounts
Tulip Petals (Tulipa) - Flavor varies from tulip to tulip, but generally the petals taste
like sweet lettuce, fresh baby peas, or a cucumber-like texture and flavor.
NOTE: Some people have had strong allergic reactions to them. If touching them causes a
rash, numbness etc. Don't eat them! Don't eat the bulbs ever. If you have any doubts, don't eat the flower.
Vegetable Flowers:
Did you know that broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are all flowers? Also the spice saffron is the stamen from the crocus flower? Capers are unopened flower buds to
a bush native in the Mediterranean and Asian nations. The general rule is that the flowers of most vegetables and herbs are safe to eat. Always check first,
because as with anything in life, there will always be exceptions. NOTE:
Avoid - the flowers of tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers and asparagus.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) -
Also called garden rocket, roquette, rocket-salad, Oruga, Rocketsalad, rocket-gentle;
Raukenkohl (German); rouquelle (French); rucola (Italian). An Italian green usually
appreciated raw in salads or on sandwiches. The flowers are small, white with dark centers
and can be used in the salad for a light piquant flavor. The flowers taste very similar to
the leaves and range in color from white to yellowish with dark purple veins. Arugula resembles radish leaves in both appearance
and taste. Leaves are compound and have a spicy, peppery flavor that starts mild in young
leaves and intensifies as they mature.
ArugulaSalad
Arugula, Pear and Asiago Cheese Salad
Walnut,Arugula & Gorgonzola Crostini
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) - The artichoke is considered a flower in which the leaves of the flower are eaten and the choke or
thistle part is discarded.
Broccoli Florets (Brassica oleracea) - The top portion of broccoli is actually flower buds. As the flower buds mature, each will open into
a bright yellow flower, which is why they are called florets. Small yellow flowers have a
mild spiciness (mild broccoli flavor), and are delicious in salads or in a stir-fry or steamer.
Corn Shoots
(Zea mays) - Corn shoots may be eaten when they resemble large blades of grass with a strong sweet corn
flavor, which could be used as a garnish for a corn chowder. The whole baby corn in husk may also be eaten, silk and all.
Mustard (Brassica species) - Young leaves can be steamed, used as a herb, eaten raw, or cooked like spinach.
NOTE: Some people are highly allergic to mustard. Start with a small amount. Eating in large amounts may cause red skin blotches
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) - Also known as Ochro, Okoro, Quimgombo, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers and Gumbo. It has
hibiscus-like flowers and seed pods that, when picked tender, produce a delicious vegetable dish when stewed or fried. When cooked it resembles asparagus yet it may be left
raw and served in a cold salad. The ripe seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee; the seed can be dried and powdered for storage and future use.
Pac Choy (Brassica chinensis) - A sister of the Broccoli plant.
Pea Blossoms (Pisum species) - Edible garden peas bloom mostly in white, but may have other pale coloring. The
blossoms are slightly sweet and crunchy and they taste like peas. The shoots and vine tendrils are edible, with a delicate, pea-like flavor. Here again, remember that
harvesting blooms will diminish your pea harvest, so you may want to plant extra.
NOTE: Flowering ornamental sweet peas are poisonous - do not eat.
Radish Flowers (Raphanus sativus) - Depending on the variety, flowers may be pink, white or yellow, and
will have a distinctive, spicy bite (has a radish flavor). Best used in salads. The Radish shoots with their bright red or white tender
stalks are very tasty and are great sautéed or in salads.
Scarlet Runner Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) - Have brilliant red blooms that are
very tasty and can be served as a garnish for soups, in salads. Bean pods toughen as they age, so makeuse of young pods as well as flowers.
Squash Blossoms (Curcubita pepo) - Squash and pumpkin blossoms are edible and taste mildly of raw squash. Prepare the
blossoms by washing and trimming the stems and remove the stamens. Squash blossoms are usually taken off the male plant, which only provides pollen for the female.
Violets (Viola species) - Sweet, perfumed flavor. Related flowers, Johnny jump-ups or violas, and pansies now come in
colorful purples and yellows to apricot and pastel hues. I like to eat the tender leaves and flowers in salads. I also use the flowers to beautifully embellish desserts and iced
drinks. Freeze them in punches to delight children and adults alike. All of these flowersmake pretty adornments for frosted cakes, sorbets, or any other desserts, and they may be
crystallized as well. heart-shaped leaves are edible, and tasty when cooked like spinach.
Yucca Petals (Yucca species) - The white Yucca flower is crunchy with a mildly sweet taste (a hint of artichoke).
in the spring, they can be used in salads and as a garnish.
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IMPORTANT:
Some dos and don'ts!
Following are some simple guidelines to keep in mind before you eat any type of flower:
DO'S:
Eat flowers only when you are positive they are edible. If uncertain, consult a good reference book on edible flowers prior to consumption.
If pesticides are necessary, use only those products labeled for use on edible crops. No flowers is safe to eat unless it was grown organically.
Wash all flowers thoroughly before you eat them.
Introduce flowers into your diet in small quantities one species at a time. Too much of a good thing may cause problems for your digestive system.
Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Separate the flower petals from the rest of the flower just prior to use to keep wilting to a minimum. Eat only the
flower petals for most flowers except pansies violas, and Johnny-jump-ups (in which they add flavor).
If you have allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as they may aggravate some allergies.
DON'TS:
Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops.
Do not eat flowers picked from the side of the road. Once again, possible herbicide use eliminates these flowers as a possibility for use.
Just because flowers are served with food served at a restaurant does not mean they are edible. Know your edible flowers - as some chefs do not.
It's easy and very attractive to use flowers for garnish on plates or for decoration, but avoid using non-edible flowers this way. Many people believe
that anything on the plate can be eaten. They may not know if the flower is edible or not and may be afraid to ask.
Picking Edible Flowers:
Pick your flowers in the morning when their water content is at its highest.
Following information from the book, Edible Flowers - From
Garden To Palate, by Cathy Wilkinson Barash:
Remove the stamens and styles from the flowers before eating. The pollen can detract from the flavor of the flower. In addition, the
pollen may cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Remove the sepals of all flowers except violas, Johnny-jump-ups, and pansies.
Only the petals of some flowers such as rose, calendula,
tulip, chrysanthemum, yucca, and lavender are edible. When using just the
petals, separate them from the rest of the flower just prior to use to keep
wilting to a minimum. Others, including Johnny-jump-up, violet, runner bean,
honeysuckle, and clover can be eaten in their entirety.
Roses, dianthus, English daisies, marigolds and
chrysanthemums have a bitter white portion at the base of the petal where it
was attached to the flower. Bread or cut off the bitter part off the petal before using.
Cleaning Edible Flowers:
Shake each flower to dislodge insects hidden in the petal folds.
After having removed the stamen, wash the flowers under
a fine jet of water or in a strainer placed in a large bowl of water.
Drain and allow to dry on absorbent paper. The flowers will retain their odor and
color providing they dry quickly and that they are not exposed to direct sunlight.
Preserving Edible Flowers:
To preserve flowers, put them on moist paper and place together in a
hermetically-sealed container or in plastic wrapping. This way, certain
species can be preserved in the refrigerator for some 10 days.
If the flowers are limp, they can be revitalized by floating them on icy water for
a few moments; don't leave too long or else they will lose some of their flavor.
You can also store the whole flower in a glass of water in the refrigerator overnight.
Crystallized/Candy Edible Flowers:
Candied flowers and petals can be used in a variety of imaginative ways - to decorate cakes large and small - all kinds
of sweet things, such as ice cream, sherbet, crèmes and fruit salads, cocktails.
Ingredients:
1 egg white or powdered egg whites
Superfine granulated sugar (either purchased or made in a blender or food processor - just blend regular sugar until extra-fine)
Thin paintbrush
Violets, pansies, Johnny-jump-ups, rose petals, lilac, borage, pea, pinks, scented geraniums, etc.
Wire rack covered with wax paper
Directions:
Carefully clean and completely dry the flowers or petals.
Beat the egg white in the small bowl until slightly foamy, if necessary
add a few drops of water to make the white easy to spread.
Paint each
flower individually with beaten egg white using the small paintbrush. When
thoroughly coated with egg white, sprinkle with superfine sugar.
Place the coated flowers or petals on wax paper on a wire rack. Let dry
at room temperature (this could take 12 to 36 hours). To test for dryness,
check the base of the bloom and the heart of the flower to make sure they
have no moisture. Flowers are completely dry when stiff and brittle to the touch.
NOTE: To hasten drying, you may place the candied flowers in an oven with a pilot light overnight, or in an
oven set at 150 degrees to 200 degrees F with the door ajar for a few hours.
Store the flowers in layers, separated by tissue paper, in an airtight
container at room temperature until ready to use.
Garnishing Cheeses
with Edible Flowers:
The cheese can be prepared 24 hours in advance of serving. Use flat
chunks of cheese, with edible rinds, in a variety of shapes. (Cheddar, Jack,
Brie, or Camembert, in round, wedge, or square shapes).
Edible flowers or herbs
Cheese
2 cups dry white wine
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
Lay the flowers and herbs flat on top of the cheese in the presentation that you want to display.
Then remove the flowers and herbs, lay them aside in the pattern you want to display them.
In the medium size saucepan over medium heat, combine the white wine and gelatin. Stir until gelatin is completely
dissolved and the mixture is clear. Remove from heat and put the saucepan in a larger container filled with ice.
Keep stirring as it thickens, NOTE: Stir slowly so you don't create bubbles. (If it
gets too thick, you can reheat and repeat.)
Place the cheese in a dish to catch the drippings from your glaze.
Spoon the glaze over the cheese and spread evenly. After a few minutes it will
become tacky to the touch, then you can "paste" on your flowers in the
design pattern you planned.
Refrigerate about 15 minutes; then remove from refrigerator and spoon more glaze over the flowers.
NOTE: Make as many layers of glaze as necessary to cover your decorations -
can be three layers for a thick design. If the glaze thickens up too much,
just reheat and replace in ice.
Serve with crackers.
Making Flower Petal Tea:
2 cups fresh fragrant rose petals (about 15 large roses)*
3 cups distilled water
Honey or granulated sugar to taste
*All roses that you intend to consume must be
free of pesticides. Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries, or
garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with
pesticides not labeled for food crops. The tastiest roses are usually the most fragrant.
Clip and discard bitter white bases from the rose petals; rinse petals thoroughly and Pat dry
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, place the prepared rose petals. Cover
with water and bring just to a simmer; let simmer for approximately 5
minutes, or until the petals become discolored (darkened).
Remove from heat and strain the hot rose petal liquid into teacups. Add honey or sugar to taste.
Makes 4 servings.
Making Blossom Ice Cubes:
Gently rinse your pesticide-free flower blossoms.
Boil water for 2 minutes for all the air trapped in the water to escape. Remove from heat and let the water cool until room temperature.
NOTE: This will ensure that the ice cubes are crystal clear.
Place each blossom at the base of each individual compartment within an ice
tray. Fill each compartment half full with the cooled boiled water and freeze.
After the water is frozen solid, fill each ice cube compartment the rest of the
way to the top with the remaining boiled water. Freeze until ready to use.
Making Flower-Infused Syrup:
1 cup water (or rosewater)
3 cups granulated sugar
1/2 to 1 cup edible flower petals (whole or crushed)
In a saucepan over medium heat, add the water or rosewater, sugar, and edible flower petals; bring to a boil and let boil for approximately 10 minutes or until thickened
into syrup. Remove from heat.
Strain through cheesecloth into a clean glass jar.
Keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can be added to sparkling water or champagne for a delicious beverage. Or, it may be poured over fruit, pound cake or pancakes.
Makes about 2 to 3 cups syrup.
How To Make Flower Butter:
1/2 to 1 cup chopped fresh or dried petals
1 pound sweet unsalte butter, room temperature
Finely chop flower petals and mix into softened butter. Allow the mixture to stand at room temperature overnight to allow the flavors to fuse.
Chill for a couple of weeks or freeze for several months.
Learn how to make
Lavender Jelly.
Disclaimer:
The author, Linda Stradley, and What's
Cooking America have researched all the mentioned edible flowers. However,
individuals consuming the flowers, plants, or derivatives listed on this web
page, do so entirely at their own risk. Neither the authors or What's Cooking
America can be held responsible for any adverse reaction to the flowers.
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