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Edible Flowers

© Angelica R. Van Norman

Now that Spring has sprung, so have all the flowers that grace our gardens. It's a beautiful sight to see the bright colors against the green background. But do they look good enough....to eat?

Many of those gorgeous growths are indeed edible, but which ones? Here's a short list of commonly edible flowers.

• calendulas (pot-marigolds)
• carnations (pinks)
• chamomile
• chrysanthemums
• dandelions
• gardenias
• geraniums
• gladiolus
• lavenders
• lilies
• nasturtiums
• pansies
• peonies
• primroses
• roses
• sweet violets

Unfortunately, the thing about edible flowers is that, despite how lovely they may be, most just don't taste that good. They're best used in cooking and garnishing.

 
• Tulip Petals - garnish cakes, mousses and even fish dishes.
• Violets - when candied, these turn into deep-purple garnishes for chocolate cakes and other pastries.
• Pansies, Nasturtium, Chive blossoms - all are perfect ingredients for a summer salad.

Edible Flower Salad

Serves 8

 
• Greens: Radicchio, Endive, Mustard Greens, Arugula, Watercress, Garden Cress, and Spinach
• Herbs (fresh or dried, 2 Tbsp each): Dill, Basil Leaves, and Chervil
• Flowers (whole buds, appoximately 5 each): Nasturtium, Pansy, Violet, Rose, and Chive blossom

1. Select a handful of each green, wash and dry thoroughly.
2. Toss in herbs, chopped or whole
3. Adorn the tossed salad with 4 or 5 blossoms of each flower.
4. Enjoy with a vinaigrette drizzled over the top.

Growing Edible Flowers

Make sure to follow all planting and fertilization practices used for garden flowers. Use only organic pesticides, no herbicides or insecticides. Plant your edibles in a separate growing area of your garden, away from other annuals or perennials.

Safe Usage

Pull petals or the edible portion from your fresh flowers and snip off petals from the base of the flower. Wash the flowers thoroughly and make certain that any pesticides have been removed. Give them a gentle bath in salt water and then dip the petals in ice to perk them up. Be careful not to overwash the petals, they bruise easily. Drain the petals on paper towels. The petals and whole flowers can be stored for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator. NOTE: Florist-bought flowers are NOT edible - they have been grown for decoration only. You can find edible flowers in farmer's markets, gourmet shops and even in some large supermarkets.
 
 

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