Edible Flowers
- Tinessa Johnsrud, HHP, CHNC, CWC
- Feb 28, 2023
- 2 min read
It’s that time of year that we plan for our spring planting and summer gardens. Even if you don’t have an elaborate vegetable garden or an area for flowers you can plant in pots on your patio, or even in your kitchen windowsill.
Edible flowers can be a beautiful addition not only to salads, soups, and drinks but to desserts as candied flowers. They can bring interesting flavors and colors to your dining.
Below is a list of common and easily accessible edible flowers:
· Basil Flowers
· Borage Flowers
· Calendula
· Chive Blossoms
· Chrysanthemums
· Clover, white and red
· Bachelor’s Button
· Dandelions
· Garden sorrel
· Impatiens
· Johnny-Jump Ups
· Lilac
· Marigold
· Nasturtiums
· Pansy
· Primrose
· Roses
· Sunflower
· Violets
· Yucca Petals
If you want to grow your own flower garden many seed companies offer edible flower seed collections. If you choose not to grow your own the next time you are at your grocery store look in the produce section. Often flowers are added to salad mixes or can be bought prepackaged just like herbs.
Some important considerations and contradictions before consuming flowers
Not every flower is edible
Do not harvest flowers grown by the roadside
Avoid flowers that have been sprayed w/pesticides or herbicides
Before consuming any part of a flower check with a medical or plant professional
Some people have allergies to certain flower families
For further reading and more information about wildflowers, herb flowers and fruit flower consumption check out the referenced sources below.
Books
The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants, Mushrooms, Fruits, and Nuts
Finding, Identifying, and Cooking
Author: Katie Letcher Lyle, pub 2016
Recipe to Make Candied Flowers
Article References
Stradley, L., & Brenda. (2023, January 5). Edible flowers chart. What's Cooking America. Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://whatscookingamerica.net/edibleflowers/edibleflowersmain.htm
The top edible flower seed mix in 2023 - review by Garden Gate. Garden Gate. (2023, February 8). Retrieved February 28, 2023, from https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/review/edible-flower-seed-mix/
Seed Sources
Comments