Are you looking to add a pop of color and a whole lot of wow to your culinary creations? With the rise in food photography and the desire to make our meals look as good as they taste, edible flowers are making a serious comeback.
Not only do they add an aesthetic appeal to your dishes, but they also come with unique flavors that can enhance your recipes. Let’s explore 12 edible flowers that will transform your meals into Instagram-worthy pieces of art.
1. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are an excellent choice for novice gardeners as they are easy to grow and require little maintenance. These vibrant flowers come in shades of red, orange, and yellow, making them a perfect addition to brighten up your dish.
The peppery flavor of nasturtiums can be a great complement to salads or as a garnish on meat dishes. You can also stuff the flowers with a light cheese for a unique appetizer. Besides, nasturtium leaves are edible too and can be used to add a spicy kick to your meals.
2. Violets
Violets are not just a pretty face; they’re also a delightful addition to your palette. These purple beauties have a sweet floral flavor and are commonly used in desserts or to garnish cocktails and lemonades.
When crystallized with sugar, violets make beautiful and delectable cake decorations. You can also use fresh violets in salads or steep them in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. Remember to grow violets in a shady spot in your garden as they prefer cooler conditions.
3. Marigolds
Marigolds are another colorful addition to your edible flower garden. These bright orange and yellow flowers have a strong, spicy flavor similar to saffron, which can be used to add a golden hue to your dishes.
Marigolds are ideal for adding a burst of color and flavor to salads, rice dishes, and soups. Just be sure to remove the petals from the bitter white base before using them in your cooking. Marigolds are also known for their medicinal properties, including soothing skin irritations and reducing inflammation.
4. Borage
Borage, also known as starflower, is a beautiful blue flower with a mild cucumber flavor. This makes it a perfect addition to summer dishes, especially salads and cold soups.
Borage flowers can also be used to garnish cocktails or frozen in ice cubes for a stunning addition to your drinks. These flowers are rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and have been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Pansies
Pansies come in a variety of colors and have a mild, minty flavor, making them a versatile choice for culinary use. They are a popular choice for cake decoration and can also be used in salads and fruit dishes.
Pansies are easy to grow, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. You can also infuse these flowers in vinegar for a colorful and flavorful addition to your dressings.
6. Chive Blossoms
Chive blossoms are a beautiful purple flower with a mild onion flavor. They make a great addition to savory dishes, especially salads and egg dishes.
These blossoms can also be used to make a flavorful chive blossom vinegar. Just steep the flowers in vinegar for a couple of weeks, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful homemade dressing.
7. Calendulas
Calendulas, also known as pot marigolds, are vibrant yellow-orange flowers with a tangy, peppery flavor. They can be used to add color and spice to salads, soups, and stews.
You can also dry the petals to use as a saffron substitute. Calendulas have been used for centuries for their healing properties, particularly for skin conditions and minor wounds.
8. Dandelions
Dandelions are often overlooked as a common weed, but they are entirely edible and packed with nutrients. The flowers have a sweet, honey-like flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
You can make dandelion wine or jelly, use them in salads, or even fry them for a tasty and nutritious snack. Just be sure to harvest dandelions from areas that haven’t been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
9. Lavender
Lavender is well known for its relaxing aroma, but it’s also a delightful culinary ingredient. Its sweet, floral flavor with a hint of mint and rosemary makes it ideal for desserts, especially cakes and cookies.
You can also use lavender to flavor honey, sugar, and beverages. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so use sparingly to prevent your dishes from tasting soapy.
10. Rose
Roses are an iconic flower and are also edible. The flavor varies depending on the type and color, but generally, they have a sweet, floral taste.
Rose petals can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and desserts to teas and cocktails. You can also make rose water or rose-infused oil, which can be used in both cooking and beauty routines.
11. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a tropical flower known for its tart, cranberry-like flavor. It’s commonly used to make a refreshing tea, which can be served hot or cold.
You can also use hibiscus in sauces, jellies, or desserts. The deep red color of hibiscus can also be used as a natural food coloring.
12. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are not just for show; their petals have a slightly bitter flavor and can be used in salads or as a garnish. Young sunflower buds can also be cooked and eaten like artichokes.
Sunflower seeds are a popular snack, but did you know the flowers are also edible? Just be sure to harvest them before they fully open as the flavor gets bitter as they mature.