The Edible Flower Garden
Edible Violet Flower
For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with the pretty flower. And many plants have edible flowers including many tree blossoms like apple, cherry, hawthorn, peach and plum. Also acacias, carnations, clovers, cornflowers, elder flowers, violets, sage etc. The list goes on, their are a lot of edible flowers that you can grow in your garden that can be utilized in your kitchen.
Eat A Flower with Caution
Make sure you eat only flowers that you are sure are edible. Also do make sure that they have not been contaminated with chemical sprays. And never eat a flower from a florist you can guarantee that they will have been sprayed with all sorts of nasty chemicals. Try only small pieces with new flowers to be sure that you have no bad reaction.
Culinary Flowers
Borage Flower with a Blue Banded Bee
Herbs are a great source of edible flowers. Herbs such as borage, chives, basil, sage, thyme, mint, chervil, etc are great to throw into a salad for some flavour and colour. Vegetable flowers are good to eat as well. Beans and peas both produce edible flowers but if you pick them for the flowers you will prevent the pods from forming. But the male flower of a zucchini can be used in the kitchen and it wont stop fruit from forming. Mmmmm stuffed zucchini flowers.
Sweeter Scent of a Flower
The sweeter the scent of the edible flower the stronger its taste. Roses in particular have a strong scent, make sure you pinch off the base before use because that part is bitter. Nasturtiums have a peppery flavour. And violets are sweet flavored.
The Medicinal Flower
The flowers of some plants are used to make homemade medicines. such as Elderberry flowers they can be made into a elderberry elixir. The flowers of the violet can be turned into a tincture which can be used for a cough or fever. Their are many other flowers that can be used. As always love what your grow, Enjoy.
Category: Gardening Ideas
