When most people go to the garden to pick some produce, they will primarily be looking for fruiting bodies, leaves, and roots, not flowers. But did you know that some flowers are edible? Besides making wonderful cakes, some are even used as a base for wine! It's a great way to incorporate more variety into your diet.
Edible flowers can be incorporated into salads and teas, as well as baked treats like cupcakes. They can also be pickled to create ersatz capers or floral simple syrup. And you can even stuff a squash blossom with them for a tasty treat! Even though many people don't consider flowers to be edible, there are many ways to enjoy these lovely flowers.
The first step to eating flowers is to select a plant whose blooms are sweet and fragrant. Avoid eating flowers with the calyx or pistil - these are often bitter and can aggravate allergies. And, of course, you should always remove the lower white part of the petals, as these can also be bitter.
There are plenty of edible flowers, so why not experiment with some? Some are sweet, while others have a tart, bitter, or spicy flavors. You can even buy some of them at the garden center. If you're unsure about which ones to try, start by preparing small portions in advance and tasting them. Then, when you're ready to use them, try adding them to your recipes in small quantities to ensure you'll be happy with the results.
You can also add flowers to your dishes as a garnish or for flavor. However, most flowers should be eaten raw. Ensure you wash them thoroughly and make sure they don't have insect eggs in them before eating them. You should also thoroughly dry your flowers. The taste is also better if they're opened.
You can also find edible flowers and leaves at the supermarket. Of course, the best flowers to pick are those that grow in your garden. However, make sure they're not sprayed with pesticides! Also, you should avoid picking any flowers from parks and roadsides. These can contain pesticides that could contaminate your food.
If you're looking for a way to get your hands on some edible flowers, try impatiens walleriana flowers. The petals have a sweet flavor and go well with a wide variety of dishes. Violets are another favorite. They have a sweet taste and are surprisingly durable. When you're ready to eat them, cut them as they are opening so they won't spoil in the fridge.
