Home-Grown Flowers and Herbs Suitable to Eat

Many gardeners now recognize that the humble backyard vegetable patch can produce a veritable floral banquet that can be used to garnish any dish. Flowers and herbs are now being accepted as not only a useful garnish but also a tasteful accompaniment to a number of meals.

Flowers Suitable to Eat

Nasturtiums are arguably one of the better-known edible flowers with the strong yellow, reds and orange colors of the flowers making a bold statement when used as a contrast to the general salad greens. The distinctively strong peppery flavored flowers can be used as an edible garnish to any salad dish, however it is advised that due to the strong taste the flowers should be used sparingly.

The Viola is a dainty flower whose leaves and roots are rich in vitamins A and C as well as containing the antioxidant ‘anthocyanin’. The flowers can be used in salads, washed, first dipped in egg white then caster sugar and dried then used as a decoration on cakes, slices and biscuits.

The small purple, pink white or red flowers of the Bee Balm plant add interest to any dish that it accompanies. The flowers have a citrus and minty flavor that enhances salad dishes.

Violets are another dainty flower that have been used to adorn various cakes and dessert dishes. The flowers are first washed dipped in egg white then again dipped into caster sugar and left to dry before placing onto the cake or dessert.

Rose petals from the Rugosa rose (old fashioned-type) has been used in salads and jellies. The rose petals once separated must have the whitish bitter base removed before the petals are added to any dish. Once the bitter aspect of the petals has been removed the petal will be left with a distinctive perfumed taste that adds a most pleasant flavor to any dish or jelly.

Herb Flowers Suitable to Eat

Basil is not only a much-used herb with the leaves being used in many savory dishes, the flowers also have a place in the food chain. The tiny white flowers should be picked as soon as they appear to ensure that the plant does not set seed. The small blossoms can be used to add a certain taste and crunchiness to salads.

The blue color of the star shaped Borage flowers makes for a truly distinctive culinary statement. The attractive blue flowers impart a delicate cucumber-like flavor into salads and sandwiches, making a tasteful and tasty accompaniment to the meal.

Precautions to Take

Care should be taken when choosing edible flowers to use in the kitchen. Only flowers and herbs grown in one’s own home garden should be used, never flowers bought from a florist or supermarket. Wash all flowers and remove the stamen and pistil prior to eating. The petals are the safest part of the flower to eat, so use them wisely. Finally remember that not all flowers are suitable for to eat – if at all in doubt don’t eat them.