Must-Know List of Flowers You Can Eat!
Do you know that there are edible flowers existent which could be consumed not only by animals but also by us humans? Well, in fact, you might already be consuming one of them and you might have not just noticed it!
Flowers are basically classified as either an ornamental of herbal- that is why saying that some flowers can actually be gulped down to your stomach without affecting you in any negative way is a sort of ridiculous idea for some people… but again, it is not.
To further prove the factuality of the claims as stated above, here is a list of flowers you can try putting on your next to be prepared meal- and yes, not just as design!
Zucchini Blossoms
Zucchini Blossoms are usually prepared through stuffing and frying- integrated into different Italian dishes (oh, you can clearly see the elegance of the usage of this flower right there, huh?)
Be mindful that only male flower is used for consumption- these non-bulged flowers are also coated in light batter and deep-fried.
Scented Geraniums
Ideal flower for your dessert recipes? Look for just the right flower no more- Scented Geraniums are considered as a very effective partner to the preparation of different desserts, one of which is most usual, ice cream.
Scented Germaniums, besides from its refreshing usage, could also be complementary to soups and could even serve as –that secret- ingredient in the creation of certain top-hailed sauces.
Roses
Can be integrated on desserts such as cake in a candied form.
Dark-colored roses are also used in creating teas while rose hips are considered as good for making jelly.
Changing roses towards its candied form can be done through the use of egg whites and sugar!
Carnation
If you’re into making jellies, salads, and butter- then carnation is the best flower to pick up, then!
Just be reminded that in the preparation of carnation, calyx and white base must be separated from the petals in order to avoid bitterness in the resulting food.
Calendula
Preparation of Calendula as an add-up to your favorite soup and egg- it should first, like all the others, must be dried.
Calendula, for further reference, is also known as Pot Marigold- also, the leaves of these flowers can be used for brewing tea.
Garland Chrysanthemum
If Zucchini gives a scent to its name as a cuisine aid by being a part of several Italian dishes, Garland Chrysanthemum does its part by being a much-considered part of Asian cuisine.
Petals of this flower, in addition to the role it plays on certain dishes, is also used for tea-making while its leaves can be used as an alternative to some of the green veggie needs (in a small amount) for your prepared dish… just in case you’ve forgotten to purchase one.
Violets
First of all, to prevent from getting you confused, please know that violets do not necessarily come in the color violet- sometimes, they go in a yellow shade.
Alike roses, violets can also be used in cakes through its candied form.
Another tip! This flower complements best with lemon and some scented geranium on the side.
In addition to that, here is another list of edible flowers which could be consumed within a classified set of needs. Also, since some of them might not be that familiar to you, a little searching won’t definitely hurt.
Soup
Garland chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum coronarium)
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Pasta and Rice
Sunflower petals (Helianthus Annuus)
Catmint (Nepeta cataria)
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Fish, Pork, and Chicken
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Myrtle (Myrtus communis)
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Salad
Bergamot petals (Monarda didyma)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Angelica ( Angelica archangelica)
Garlic chives ( Allium tuberosum)
Yarrow ( Achillea millefolium)
Anise hyssop ( Agastache foeniculum)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Chives ( Allium schoenoprasum)
Primrose (Primula vulgaris)
Nasturtium (Trapaeolum majus)
Day lily (Hemerocallis spp.)
Dessert and Fruits
Pinks (Dianthus spp.)
Phlox (Phlox drummondii )
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium)
Hollyhock ( Alcea rosea)
Rose petals (Rosa spp.)
Sweet violet (Viola odorata)
References:
Our Farm by Earth Flora Inc. (2019). Edible Flowers. [online] Available at: https://downtoearthph.com/2011/05/19/edible-flowers/ [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
Cooking Class. (2019). Philippine Edible Flowers. [online] Available at: https://pamobieta.wordpress.com/2011/08/14/philippine-edible-flowers/ [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
Glossaryoffilipinofood.blogspot.com. (2019). List of edible flowers in the Philippines. [online] Available at: http://glossaryoffilipinofood.blogspot.com/2014/07/edible-flowers-in-philippines.html [Accessed 10 Feb. 2019].
Advertisement