Flowers you can eat!

Flowers are essentially used in several cuisines. But do you which ones are edible? If not, then here’s your guide to every detail about edible flowers.

The use of flowers in foods has been known since decades. But we don’t realise if there`s any essence of a petal or flower in our food. Adding them to your food is a nice way to get colours, relishes and some quirkiness in your meal. While Italians use squash buds, Indians use rose petals. And not all flowers have sweet nectar, some can be spicy too. Surprising right?

It is unknown to see flowers as dressing in many delicacies. But, it is necessary to know which flower is edible and safe. Some pesticides might help grow the plant but makes it non eatable. So, before we list down the ones you can eat, read the safety guide:-

  • Eat flowers which you know about, and if you are not confident, then use a reference or cook book.
  • If you have grown edible flowers in your garden and haven’t used any pesticides, then you can definitely use them for cooking. In case you plan on buying them from a florist or nursery, make sure they are chemical free since many florists use pesticides to preserve the plants.
  • Do not eat flowers picked from public parks or public areas. They are never safe.
  • Use only the petals.
  • If you suffer from any kind of allergy, do not introduce flowers in your meals. Get more information before you try any recipe.
  • To keep the buds fresh, place them on a wet towel and place in the refrigerator in an airtight vessel.
  • To get the best flavour of the flowers, harvest and preserve it carefully.

List of edible flowers:

  • Arugula Arugula The buds are small in size and have dark centres. They have a peppery flavour. Also found in several different colours like white and yellow.
  • Borage Borage The blossoms are a charming blue shade and the flower tastes like cucumbers!
  • Marigold Marigold Marigold is a great flower used for cooking. They are tangy and spicy in taste. The bright golden colour adds a splash to the dish.
  • Carnations Carnations The petals of a carnation are sweet. The blossoms taste sweet and sugary and they have a perfumed fragrance.
  • Cilantro Cilantro Just as the leaves, people love Cilantro or dislike them. The flowers share the grassy flavour of the herb. Use them fresh as they don’t taste great after they are heated.
  • Citrus Citrus The Citrus petals are sweet and extremely aromatic. Use carefully or they might over-perfume your meal.
  • Fennel Fennel Yellow fennel buds are an eye candy with a refined liquorice taste. It`s much like the herb.
  • Fuchsia Fuchsia They are tangy and are useful for garnishing the dish.
  • Hibiscus Hibiscus Hibiscus is famously used in tea. The cranberry flavour is sharp and should be used in small amounts.
  • Jasmine Jasmine These extremely aromatic blooms are used in tea. You can also use them in sweet dishes but be careful as the fragrance can be too strong.
  • Lavender Lavender They are sweet and spicy. Lavenders are a great addition to spicy, salty and sweet dishes.
  • Lemon Berbera Lemon Berbera The tiny off-white blossoms have the scent of a lemon. It is useful for teas and desserts.
  • Mint Mint These flowers are minty. Their intensity of the mint flavour can vary among varieties.
  • Oregano Oregano They are well-known in kitchen. Oregano flowers are an indirect version of leaf.
  • Pansy Pansy Used in many salads, the petals of a Pansy are ordinary. Eat the whole flower to get a better taste.
  • Radish Radish Different colours and a peppery savour, that’s how a Radish flower will taste.
  • Rose Rose Rose is popularly used in India. Small tip - take off the white, bitter base and use the rest of the petals. They have a strong perfumed flavour which is perfect for drinks or desserts and for different types of jams. All roses are edible.
  • Squash and pumpkin Squash and pumpkin Squash and Pumpkins both are wonderful for stuffing.
  • Sunflower Sunflower The petals of a sunflower can be eaten and the buds can be steamed.
  • Violets Violets Largely used edible flower, Violets are sweet and are great when used as garnish. Use the flowers in salads, desserts and drinks.

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