We hear more and more about edible flowers. Edible flowers for a salad or with a small snack. There are quite a lot of edible flowers and it is not surprising that we are making more and more use of them. This may be partly inspired by our desire for what nature has to offer us. It is also good to know that not every flower is edible and that some care must therefore be taken when working with edible flowers.

Flower types that are edible

The assumption that all flowers are edible is incorrect. It is true that relatively many flowers are edible. Just like our vegetables, edible flowers also have different flavors. Edible flowers are mainly used as a seasoning, just like regular herbs. Since we want to include nature more in our daily lives, and this has certainly taken off since the beginning of this century, we have also embraced flowers as part of the meal.If you start working with edible flowers, it is a bit of a trial and error process in the beginning. After all, every person has a different taste. It is also good to know that not all organically grown flowers are edible. Before you start working with flowers as part of the meal, it is good to read up on them.

Eating edible flowers safely

If you want to eat edible flowers safely, it depends on which flowers you eat, how you combine flavors and how you store them.

Save

Usually only the petals of the flower are used, but fresh young flower buds are often fine to eat (as they get older they usually taste bitter). Some flowers have real pistils, which you should always remove.Unfortunately, you cannot keep the flowers and leaves fresh for long . Saving is actually not an option. You can possibly dry the petals, but then it will lose some of the flavor. It is best to use the flower heads and/or flower buds fresh from the plant in your dish. Then the taste comes into its own.

Tasty and safe

Sometimes tasting the flavor of the leaves yourself and then using them in a recipe is the best option. In any case, make sure that the flowers are organic. The flowers in the regular flower shop are generally not suitable for this (due to, for example, pesticides used in the greenhouses).The flowers can be found at an organic nursery or a specially equipped corner at the regional garden center. Due to the increasing popularity, the range is also increasing. Sometimes the garden centers even organize tastings, which are excellent opportunities to try out all kinds of flavors.Begonia / Source: HOerwin56, PixabayWhich (well-known) flowers can we use in the kitchen:

• Begonia ; the flowers of this plant are nice and spicy. It has a bit of a peppery taste. Easy to use in salads and they also give a nice color to a salad.
• Zucchini flowers ; We all know zucchini, of course, but the zucchini flowers can also be eaten. They have a soft, full flavor and combine well with cream cheese. You can even fry them.
• Daylily ; If you remove the pistil from the flour, the flour is fine to eat, especially with a piece of cream cheese on toast. Please note that the color also determines the taste. The flavor becomes stronger when the color is darker.
• Marigold ; this flour has a buttery and slightly spicy taste. Suitable for use in hot dishes. Delicious with soup or in sauce and it also looks nice if you use it as a garnish. Also great to use in mashed potatoes.
• Cornflower ; this is a flower with a soft taste and not very pronounced. Great with a sweet dessert such as honey cake or ice cream. The decorative character of this flower is often greater.
• Lavender ; with lavender you have to be careful not to use too much. The smell is very strong and since smell and taste are connected, it can quickly start to taste somewhat soapy. Properly dosed, it goes well with sweet dishes such as cookies and even in a cup of tea.
• nasturtium ; many people are familiar with this seasoning. Very spicy and therefore an excellent combination with savory dishes, a hearty salad or cream brie on baguette.
• Dandelion ; this flower is often seen as a weed and removed. However, the dandelion can be used as a seasoning for various salads, whether or not enriched with fish or mature goat’s cheese, for example.
• Rose ; There are quite a few roses that are known for their pleasant scent. However, the rose can also be a seasoning (ice cream, salad, sangria), but this differs per rose variety. One rose is a bit spicier and the other has a fresh citrus-like taste. So it is a matter of trying this out. The rose can also be an excellent seasoning in tea.
• Violets ; the flowers, in all kinds of colours, have a mild taste. They can easily be added to a salad or a sweet dessert and they also brighten the whole thing up.

 Rose / Source: S Ms 1989, PixabayIf you’re not sure if the flowers you want to use in your dish – and aren’t in the list above – are edible, Google them. Inform yourself well, because sometimes messages on the internet are quite contradictory. A reliable website can then offer a solution.

Finally

Edible flowers literally and figuratively brighten up the meal enormously. Because it is a real seasoning, trying it out is often the best option to experience the desired flavor and apply it to your dishes. Of course, checking which flowers are edible is also important.