Flower Power! How to use Edible Flowers to Beautify & Nourish your Spring Meals
It is customary in the Liferoot home to have some fresh flowers on the dinner table for Sunday dinner. Sunday is usually a time when everyone sits down to eat together, we begin a new week, and will usually see some extended family or even neighbors. Right now as I write this at the kitchen table, I am staring at some beautiful lavender sprigs that are offering up a sweet aroma and relaxing vibe to our kitchen.
Our personal household budget doesn’t really allow for buying fresh flowers all the time (they can be very expensive), but we love to grow them inexpensively in our garden. This past year, we started intentionally adding flowers to our meals to eat and for nourishment. It is so fun, delicious and makes the plate as pretty as a four star restaurant!
Many edible flowers offer wonderful nutrition. The colors in edible flowers yield phytonutrients, which can enhance immunity, intercellular communication, repair DNA damage from exposure to toxins, and detoxify carcinogens. Many of them also contain small amounts of Vitamin A & C, iron and trace minerals. They can be as easy to grow as a plant pot on the patio, or by a door…and are fun for kiddos to grow too.
Liferoot side note: As with growing and consuming anything, make sure if you are harvesting wild edible flowers, in other peoples yards, gardens, or even on the side of the road…know what has been put on them before you stick them anywhere near your mouth. Many fertilizers can be harsh on flowers, so don’t ever eat anything that you haven’t washed well or don’t know what was put on it to help it grow or weeds to be destroyed around it.
Here are some of our favorite edible flowers and their benefits.
Also, make sure to check out our edible flower seed assortment HERE.
Lavender
This famous stress-relieving, calming herb is a wonderful additive in many dishes. This woody floral herb has a distinct aroma that you can find almost everywhere… from candles to body products and even pillow scents. :) Most people don’t realize that this herb is edible and can really add a wonderful flavor to desserts, teas, spice rubs and infused syrups. It can be eaten fresh or dried, but it is best to start small and test to taste, as it can be a very strong flavor. One of our favorite ways to enjoy lavender is with a summer time favorite, lavender lemonade. On a hot day, it can really make an amazing beverage.
Lavender Lemonade:
You will need:
Half gallon jar with lid
Clean filtered water
1 cup coconut sugar (can sub honey, maple syrup or organic sugar, and can alter this according to taste)
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon of dried lavender flowers (or about 1 1/2 teaspoon of fresh lavender flowers)
Combine ingredients in jar and seal. Let sit for about 12 hours. Shake gently and serve.
If you want to do this quickly, heat sugar, lemon juice, lavender and water in pan till sugar is dissolved. Let cool, strain lavender and serve. Great served with a fresh garnish of lavender.
Nasturtium
For a nice color pop to your dishes, look no further than this culinary favorite! The leaves and flowers are both edible, and they are typically come in a variety of colors (usually red, yellow or orange). They have a savory, peppery flavor and are great for salads or as a garnish for any type of dish. They contain several vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious additive to your meal. These are one of our favorite and easy flowers to grow, can be grown in a pot or added to your garden. They can tolerate cooler and warmer weather, and as long as you water them, they will keep blooming for you. Our favorite way is to throw them in a salad, or put some balsamic vinegar and olive oil with a pinch of sea salt and pepper for a fun side dish.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a large colorful blooming flower that is usually found in a tropical climate. They can grow well in the southern US, after the danger of frost has past. The edible variety is Hibiscus sabdariffa (We do sell the edible hibiscus variety here), and the flower can be eaten fresh or dried for teas. It is a popular tea in many countries and wonderful when mixed with mint leaves. Hibiscus is known to naturally lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and many drink hibiscus tea for its medicinal properties. If you are on blood pressure or cholesterol lowering meds, please chat with your doc before trying these.
Edible Flower Ice Cubes!
Rose
Roses supposes you love roses like we do. Using the Liferoot’s Roses Supposes toner on my face in the morning to help me wake up, and in the evening to calm and recenter before bed is always a great idea. Besides being excellent for your skin and olfactory sense, every variety of rose can be eaten and enjoyed. Rose hips (the round portion of the rose flower just below the petals), are full of vitamin C and are super nutritious when dried, ground and the powder used in smoothies, in soups and other dishes.
Dandelion
This is one of my favorite edible flowers, due to the amazing medicinal properties of the plant. When these start popping up around the yard, we know spring is coming in Texas. Most people have this growing in their yard, and you can commonly see dandelion around town, or in sidewalk cracks. It seems to find most people. :) The blooms are small and yellow, and every part of the plant can be consumed. This plant is highly nutritious, containing calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It has been reported to help lower blood sugar, cholesterol, promote a healthy liver, prevent cancer and boost immune function. The flowers are great in a salad, or the greens and flowers thrown in a green smoothie. Note: always know what your picking. If you find dandelions on sidewalks, yards, or city parks be aware of pesticide usage in the area.
Cornflower
The pretty, blue flowers of cornflower have a slightly spicy, clove-like flavor with a subtle sweetness. Cornflower petals look wonderful in salads or sprinkled over desserts. Use torn petals as a garnish, or whole flowers in fancy drinks. We use them in our I Love Me Tea and the blue makes it such a sight. They are also fun frozen into ice cubes for a splash of color in a summer beverage. :)
Here are a few more edible flowers, and as always, if you don’t know if its edible, don’t eat it until you know for sure. Also, if you want some flowers for a dish but don’t have the time to grow them, many markets carry them in the veggie and fruit section. :)
Other Edible Flowers:
Mint blossoms
Squash blooms
Violet
Sunflower
Pansy
Bergamot
Honeysuckle (certain varieties)
Hollyhock
Chrysanthemum
Chamomile
Chives and Garlic flowers
Calendula
Borage
Agastache
Have fun and enjoy your edible flower dish!
