This year while planting my gardens, I took special consideration in planting flowers that aren't just appealing to the eye, but to the taste buds as well! Since many individuals are uneducated in the art of edible flowers, they tend to shy away from the idea all together. Granted not all flowers are edible, and some can actually make you very sick, but if you stick to a few simple guidelines you can start serving beautiful dishes from your vegetable garden and your flowerbed!
When choosing edible flowers make sure you;
- Wash your flowers thoroughly,
- Eat only plants you have grown, and that you know are safe for consumption,
- Plant flowers intended for consumption away from pesticides or other chemicals (natural is always better),
- Remove everything from the flower but the petals (except pansies, as the stamen adds flavour),
- NEVER eat any flower you are unfamiliar with, or anything that comes from a florist or large chain nursery since they tend to use lots of pesticides.
Short List of Edible Flowers:
- Pansies and Johnny Jumpers
- Violets
- Carnations
- Mums
- Clovers
- Dandelions
- Day Lilies
- Hibiscus
- Honey Suckle
- Impatiens
- Marigolds
- Lilacs
- Roses
- Tulips
*Don't just use the petals as garnish, try infusing them in hot water and make a tea, or add to a cold pitcher of water on hot days. Also works well in butters and oils.
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