avatarClaire Splan

Summary

The website content provides insights on growing and using edible flowers in culinary applications, emphasizing the importance of selecting non-toxic varieties and proper harvesting techniques.

Abstract

The article "Growing Flowers for Flavor" on the website discusses the practice of cultivating edible flowers to enhance the aesthetic and flavor profile of dishes. It suggests that in addition to fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts, flowers such as Bachelor's button, Bee balm, and Borage can be incorporated into meals. The piece lists a variety of flowers that are safe to eat, noting that while some can be consumed whole, others like the breadseed poppy and sunflower offer edible seeds. It advises on the best times to harvest flowers and the importance of ensuring they are free from pesticides and roadside pollutants. The article also cautions readers about potential allergies and the necessity of using only the edible parts of flowers. It concludes by encouraging readers to explore related articles on herb gardening and backyard orchards, and to support the writer by becoming a Medium member.

Opinions

  • The author believes that edible flowers are a valuable addition to one's garden and diet, providing both visual appeal and flavor.
  • There is an emphasis on the importance of safe and informed foraging, particularly the avoidance of pesticides and potentially toxic environments like roadsides.
  • The article promotes the idea that growing your own edibles, including flowers, can be both rewarding and cost-effective.
  • It suggests that integrating edible flowers into cooking is a creative way to enhance meals, offering examples such as garnishing desserts or infusing cocktails.
  • The author encourages readers to be mindful of allergies and to research thoroughly to ensure the safe consumption of flowers.
  • By recommending further reading on related topics, the author implies that there is a broader culture and practice of growing and using edible plants that readers might find interesting and beneficial.

Growing Flowers for Flavor

Dress and spice up your dishes with edible flowers picked fresh from your garden

Photo: Olenka Sergienko via Pexels

There’s more to growing edibles than just fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts. Don’t forget flowers! Some of the blossoms you already have growing could easily find their way into your lunchtime salad, decorate your favorite dessert, or add the finishing touch to an artisanal cocktail.

Here are some common flowers that you can grow to cook with or to safely garnish a dish:

Some of these flowers can be eaten in their entirety; others have only edible petals. For some, like the breadseed poppy and the sunflower, it’s the seeds that are edible. Roses not only have edible petals, but the rose hips (seedpods) can be used for jellies, teas, or other dishes.

It’s best to harvest the flowers in the morning and keep them in water if you’re not going to use them until later in the day. Rinse them well in cool water, making sure that no insects are hiding in the petals. Add the flowers to your dishes (especially hot or warm dishes) just before serving so they still appear fresh.

Photo: Nastasya Day via Pexels

It is important to note that any flowers used in food must not be treated with pesticides. Also, never eat flowers you find growing on the side of the road — who knows what car emissions and other toxins they may have absorbed!

Some disclaimers: Some people can have allergic reactions, particularly to the pollen of some flowers. And since plants may have some parts that are edible and other parts that are highly poisonous, you should research any flower you use in food to make sure you are using only the edible parts.

If you liked this article, check out these stories too:

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Gardening
Flowers
Cooking
Outdoors
Food
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