There are many edible flowers that are rich in vitamins C and A and are great tasting; however, be sure never to eat flowers that are loaded with chemicals and pesticides.
It is also important to remember not to eat just any flower because some are toxic such as foxglove, potato and sweet potato.
Benefits of Edible Flowers
The same essential vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies are also found in flowers. For example signet marigolds, nasturtiums, portulaca, purslanes and roses are all rich in Vitamin C.
Edibles Weeds such as dandelion flowers provide Vitamins A and C and the greens are high in calcium, iron and phosphorous.
Calendula and elderberry blooms flowers help aid digestion, reduce fevers and stimulate the immune system.
California poppies, chamomile, and lavender help ease stress and work as gentle sleep aids.
Goldenrod helps relieve allergies and urinary tract infections, and aids in digestion.
Hibiscus contains antioxidants that help prevent cholesterol deposits and aids liver disorders.
Honeysuckle and hyssop flowers help relieve respiratory problems and soothe the stomach and colon.
Mullein flowers help with respiratory ailments, pain and headaches. They also induce sleep.
Nasturtiums contain natural antibiotic properties.
Red clover blooms are great for detox.
Violas and violets have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for respiratory ailments.
Yarrow helps with blood pressure and reduces fevers and colds.
What Do Edible Flowers Taste Like?
A good rule to remember is that the more fragrance a flower has, the stronger is its flavor. Like fruits and veggies, edible flowers have different colors and taste.
Floral tasting flowers are: apple, pea, lilac, honeysuckle, and scented geranium.
Lemon, orange and tuberous begonias have a citrus or tangy flavor.
Redbud, tulip and running green bean blooms have a more bean flavor.
Arugula, broccoli, mustard, and radish flowers add a spicy flavor.
Chicory, chrysanthemum, English daisy and sunflower are on the tangier side.
How to Use
Edible flowers can be used as decoration in cakes. They can be used in baking such as adding them to pancakes, muffins or biscuits. They can also be added to different foods such as soups, pasta, salads or sandwiches to enhance their flavors.
They can also be used to enhance the flavoring of your beverages such as juices or teas. Using them as infusing oils is another way that they can be used to relax body.
Remember when it comes to edible flowers, use your imagination, the sky is your limit!
List of Edible Flowers
- Apple Blossom
- Arugula
- Basil
- Begonias (tuberous)
- Borage
- Broccoli
- Calendula
- Cauliflower
- Carnations
- Chamomile
- Chicory
- Chive
- Chrysanthemum
- Cornflowers (Blue Bachelor Buttons)
- Dandelion
- Daylily
- Dianthus
- Dill
- Elderberry
- English Daisy
- Evening Primrose
- Forget-Me-Nots
- Freesias
- Geranium
- Gladiolas
- Goldenrod
- Hibiscus
- Honeysuckle
- Hyssop
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lilac
- Marguerite Daises
- Marigolds
- Mint (apple, orange, chocolate)
- Mullein
- Mustard
- Nasturtiums
- Orange
- Oregano
- Pansies
- Pea
- Perslane
- Poppies (California)
- Portulaca’s
- Radish
- Redbud
- Red clover
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Running Green Bean
- Snapdragons
- Squash
- Sunflower petals
- Thyme
- Tulip
- Viola
- Violets
- Yarrow
- Zucchini
