In addition to their beauty and fragrance, flowers can also be a delicious source of nutrition for humans, although we often overlook them. Throughout the world, various cultures have used edible flowers in their cuisine and medicine for thousands of years.
Garden Flowers: Not Just for Admiring but Also for Tasting!
Ancient Romans and Greeks adorned their dishes with delicate rose petals, while Native Americans chewed echinacea flowers in sweat lodge ceremonies. Chrysanthemums were used in ceremonial drinks and traditional cooking in ancient China. And lotus flowers have been a fundamental part of Indian gastronomy for centuries.
You probably have these flowers in your own garden and didn’t even know they were edible.
Here is a list of some common flowers that you can enjoy as part of your diet: roses, violets, lavender, marigolds, pansies, lilies, nasturtiums, hibiscus, dandelions, elderflowers and lilacs.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try these flowers that can add flavor and color to your dishes, as well as being rich in nutrients. However, make sure to know the properties and possible side effects of each one before incorporating them into your diet. Bon appétit.
Roses
A gastronomic delight that dates back to ancient times
Did you know that ancient Greeks, Romans and Persians used to cook with roses? Nowadays, rose petals are used to add a special touch to desserts, salads, drinks, jams and butter. They can be candied and added to granola or turned into a simple syrup to flavor practically anything. They are ideal for infusing honey and vinegar.
It should be noted that of the 150 varieties of rose, all are edible but darker-colored ones are usually sweeter.
Violets
Small flowers with great nutritional benefits
Violet petals can be used similarly to rose petals. These petals have a sweet flavor and their leaves taste similar to spinach and contain twice the amount of vitamin A and twice the amount of vitamin C as oranges. In addition to adding flavor and nutrition to your meals, violets are also an excellent option for decorating your desserts and drinks.
Lavender
Not just for aromatherapy, also for gastronomy
Widely used in aromatherapy, lavender is an excellent choice to delight your taste buds. This flower is perfect for adding a floral touch to your desserts, ice creams, infusions and cocktails. It pairs especially well with chocolate, berries, citrus and savory herbs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with this delicious garden flower and discover new ways to enjoy its flavor and aroma.
Marigold
A spicy flower for your dishes
Although many flowers are edible, it’s important to note that only marigold is safe to eat. This flower has a spicy flavor that makes it ideal for adding to dishes such as pasta, breads, salads and iced teas. If you want to experiment with the flavor of marigold, be sure to use only the flowers and not other parts of the plant.
Thoughts
A sweet and floral flavor for your dishes
Thoughts are a flower that surprises with its sweet and floral flavor which slightly resembles lettuce. Some varieties have a more intense taste similar to wintergreen, making them ideal for savory dishes and desserts. Dare to try this delicious flower in your recipes and enjoy its unique and aromatic flavor.
Daylilies
A delicious option for Asian cuisine
Daylilies are a flower widely used in Asian cuisine for their flavor similar to asparagus. Both the sprouts and flowers are edible and can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, stir-fries and even stuffed fritters. If you like Asian cuisine or just want to try something new and delicious, don’t hesitate to add daylilies to your dishes.
Nasturtium
A spicy touch for your salads
Nasturtiums are yellow and orange flowers that have a slightly spicy flavor, similar to watercress. They are an excellent option for adding a different and colorful touch to your salads. They can be used as pickled appetizers to offer your guests an original and surprising bite. Incorporate nasturtiums into your recipes and discover their flavor and their ability to brighten up any dish with their vibrant colors.
Hibiscus
A tropical flower for delicious tea
The acidic flowers of the tropical hibiscus are known for their use in tea preparation. When infused, they produce a dark pink tea with a strong and refreshing flavor that can be enjoyed both hot and cold. Hibiscus tea combines very well with other ingredients, such as lime pie. If you are looking for a refreshing and different drink to enjoy on a hot day, do not hesitate to try hibiscus tea.
Dandelion
It may surprise you in the kitchen: delicious, nutritious and versatile
Known for its medicinal properties, dandelion is also a delicious and nutritious food. The Celts, for example, used the flowers to make digestive wine. Its flowers are an excellent addition to dandelion green salads, as they add a touch of color. They can be used in the preparation of sweet or savory dishes, such as fritters and can be fried.
Elderflowers
A sweet and versatile addition to your drinks and desserts
The delicate elderflowers are not only an impressive sight in gardens but can also be a tasty addition to drinks and desserts. With their sweet aroma and honey-like flavor, they are a popular choice for flavoring wines, champagnes, lemonades and iced teas on hot summer days. They can be used in the kitchen in many ways, from infusing cooking oil to making delicious fried fritters.
Edible Lilac Petals
How to flavor and decorate your desserts with this unique flower
Lilac petals are edible and can be used to flavor and decorate a wide variety of sweet dishes, such as cakes, ice creams, teas and more. However, it is important to note that not all parts of the lilac plant are edible, so it is important to make sure to use only the petals and do some research before trying any edible flower.
Precautions when consuming flowers
Tips to ensure their edibility and avoid health risks
Before consuming any type of flower, we should make sure they are edible and obtained from safe sources free of pesticides and other chemicals. Some people may be allergic to certain types of flowers, so it is recommended to try a small amount before consuming large quantities.
In any case, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new plants into our diet.
