Edible Flowers

"Just as flowers are used to decorate a room, some common flowers can also be used to decorate foods. Flowers are not only used for their color, but for texture and flavor too. The leaves and roots of some flowering plants can also be eaten. For hundreds of years, flowers have been consumed. Edible flowers can be used in drinks, jellies, salads, soups, syrups and main dishes. Flowers can be preserved for future use. Some common edible flowers are Daisies (Bellis perennis quills), Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale leaves, roots, flowers, petals, buds), Daylilies (Hemerocallis buds, flowers, petals), Pansies (Viola x Wittrockiana flowers, petals), Pot Marigolds (Calendula officinalis petals with white heel removed), Roses (Rosa petals with white heel removed, rose hips) and Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus buds, petals, seeds)."

For dinner this evening we had what we refer to as "backyard salad". It's something different everytime as we go into our small garden and pick what is available. Tonights salad was red sunset lettuce, some garlic chive, small spinach leaves, french sorrell, strawberries, parsley and loveage. Topped with calendula flower petals (peppery), violet blooms (sweet) and chive blooms. Our grandchildren loved "surprising Dad-pa" with flowers sprinkled over his salad. Also a good chance to teach them not to eat flowers unless*a close relative like parents or grandparents say its ok.

I have*had daylilies, nasturtium and tulip petals either in a salad or stuffed with*a filling. I will have to research sunflowers as I was not aware of those being edible.* Thanks for that tip.

i've always been a bit apprehensive about edible flowers. i think the thought of eating flowers puts me off a bit, but once i become adventurous enough i might give it a try!

You are already eating flowers but don't know it. Some herbs are parts of flowers: saffron being the most notable, but you generally have tiny flowers in your oregano and marjoram, maybe in the rosemary. Cloves are flower buds. Broccoli and cauliflower are masses of flower buds.

If you start with nibbling a rose petal from a pesticide free garden, you'll find it a lot more appealing, I'd think.

squash blossoms (any kind) (often served stuffed) are considered very delicious. and a gourmet item.

If you are interested in "Eating your roses" you'll find some interesting recipes here: Rose Petal Recipes You can make some really unique things out of roses! Did you know rose hips contain more vitamin C than oranges? Ever tried "Rose Hip tea?" Easy to make! Delicious! Flower petals frozen in ice cubes look really pretty floating in a punch bowl, for a special occassion.

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Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Tonights salad was red sunset lettuce, some garlic chive, small spinach leaves, french sorrell, strawberries, parsley and loveage. Topped with calendula flower petals (peppery), violet blooms (sweet) and chive blooms.

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This salad seems very tasty indeed.
The idea of edible flowers is also very cool. Some flowers are definitely better than most summer veggies. I like the idea too :)

Borage is another edible flower.