Edible flowers and flower petals are often used in culinary art, due to their visual appeal. These amazing flowers are not only edible, but also intricately beautiful, leading to their widespread use in artistic culinary creations. In this post you will find a list of edible flowers with pictures, including easy to grow varieties, as well as their culinary use.
Edible flowers are biodiverse. They not only have ornamental value, but can also enhance flavor, in addition to adding nutritional value.
Using flowers for culinary purposes is not a new idea. Edible flowers have been used for thousands of years to add ornamental value, as well as nutrition, to different cuisines.
Edible flowers not only look fabulous in the flower garden or containers, but they also can be used to add flavor and color to different dishes, baking projects, and drinks.
Every year I add more edible flower choices to the garden.
When I first developed an interest in edible flowers, it was surprising to discover that many of the blooms already growing in the garden were in fact edible, and I didn't even realize it.
Some of the beautiful flowers growing in your own garden may be edible blooms as well.
Many flowers however are not edible, and some may even be poisonous.
Therefore it is very important to be aware of the safety guidelines when considering consuming any flowers.
It is important to be able to safely identify edible flowers, and to avoid using non-edible flowers in your culinary projects.
Safety Guidelines When Using Edible Flowers
Using edible flowers can be a fun and creative way to add color and flavor to our meals, baking projects, and even to our drinks. Before using edible flowers however, it is very important to make sure that they are safe to eat.
Here are some important safety guidelines to consider before using and consuming edible flowers:
Identify Correctly
Some flowers may be look alikes, and resemble non-edible flowers, so make sure that you know exactly what you are eating before consuming it.
Never guess, and always know exactly what you are eating.
Eat In Moderation
Edible flowers are best used to complement a dish or baked good, rather than being consumed in large amounts.
Therefore always consume edible flowers in small amounts, to be on the safe side, especially if you may be allergic, or are not yet aware of a potential allergy.
Be Aware Of Allergies
If you have an allergy to a particular plant, you will likely also be allergic to the flowers of that plant as well.
It's also important to keep in mind that if you have developed an allergic reaction to one cultivar of edible flower, you may also be allergic to other flower varieties within that same botanical family.
Consume Organically Grown
Avoid consuming edible flowers from any areas which may be exposed to toxins, pollutants, or animal waste. For example, do not use roadside flowers, which can be exposed to pollutants in the soil from road runoff, or flowers from florists which may have been exposed to chemicals and pesticides.
Whenever buying edible flowers at the grocery store, in either fresh or dried forms, make sure that you are purchasing culinary-grade flowers, which are safe for consumption.
Wash Before Use
Washing your edible flowers will help to remove dirt and debris, as well as any little bugs which may have been brought inside from the garden.
Consider consulting with a doctor before consuming edible flowers, if you have any allergies or health conditions which may preclude their use.
By following these guidelines you will be able to use edible flowers in a safe and healthy manner.
List Of Edible Flowers With Pictures
This is a list of edible flowers which we grow in our garden, and just some examples of nature's bounty for decorating our plates. These plants are easy to grow and use, and make a good introduction to the world of edible flowers.
1. Pansies And Violas
Pansies and violas are easy to grow from seed. These fun flowers are some of the most popular edible flowers. They can be grown in the garden, and also in containers, for easy kitchen access.
Violas and pansies are known and loved for their attractive and distinctive flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, from pinks and purples, to yellows, oranges and plums. The flowers have markings which can resemble a face, making them fun to work with.
Pansies and violas are some of my favorite edible flowers with which to create culinary art. The flower faces are lively, and the perfect size for using, on even the smallest baking creations.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for viola is Viola. The scientific name for pansy is Viola x wittrokiana. Pansies and violas belong to the Family Violaceae, and the Genus Viola. Pansies have been cultivated from violas, and are hybrids of violas. Popular perennial violas that often grow wild are Johnny jump-ups, or Viola tricolor.
Culinary Use
Pansies and violas have a mild floral flavor, and the taste can vary depending on the cultivar used.
Pansies are popular to use in creative baking due to their whimsical appearance and bright color combinations. Use them to decorate desserts, such as cakes, cupcakes and cookies. They can also be used as a colorful garnish for salads and other dishes.
For pansies and violas, either the whole flower, or just the petals, can be used as edible flowers.
2. Lavender
Lavender flowers are edible blooms, and can be used in both dried and fresh forms for culinary purposes. The flowers are distinctive with a well known scent and flavor, making them easily recognizable.
Native to the Mediterranean, lavender is now grown widely in many different parts of the world, and is easily grown from seed.
Lavender is known to have a soothing and relaxing effect.
Although it is the lavender flowers which are mostly used for culinary purposes, the young leaves of the lavender plant can also be consumed. Just remember however, a little goes a long way.
Scientific Name
Lavendula is the scientific name for lavender. Lavender belongs to the Family Lamiaceae, and Genus Lavendula.
Culinary Use
Lavender often has a herbal, slightly sweet floral flavor, with a hint of mint. It's important to use this edible flower sparingly however, as too much of this flower can overwhelm the dish that it is used in.
The flower can be used as flower buds, or as open flowers in sweet dishes, such as in cookies and cakes, or even as a garnish on ice cream. Lavender can also be used in many savoury dishes, such as with roasted meat dishes and with vegetables.
Infuse the flowers in edible oils, and use the oil in salad dressings.
Lavender flowers can also be used alone or in combination with other dried herbs, to make soothing herbal teas. The calming nature of this edible flower makes it a popular choice for soothing drinks.
3. Borage
Borage is popular herb, grown for it's use as an edible flower. The plants are easy to grow from seed, and have multiple beneficial properties, including culinary applications.
The plants produce interesting star shaped flowers throughout the growing season. The small flowers range in color from pink, to violet, to a striking blue, depending on flower maturity.
The star-shaped blooms are very interesting in appearance, and they add a lovely pop of color wherever they are used.
Pregnant and lactating women should avoid consuming the borage flower, as this edible flower can have an effect on female hormone balance.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for borage is Borago officinalis. Borage is a member of the Family Boraginaceae, and the Genus Borago.
Culinary Use
Borage flowers have a mild cucumber-like flavor. The flavor is delicate and somewhat refreshing, and is similar in both the flowers and edible leaves as well.
Borage flowers make an interesting and colorful garnish for salads, beverages, and other culinary creations. Flowers can also be used to make a borage tea.
It is mainly the borage flowers that are eaten, although the leaves are also used when young and tender.
4. Calendula
Another popular plant on this edible flowers list with pictures is calendula, a popular annual herb which is easy to grow from seed. These plants are commonly known as "pot marigolds", however are not in the same genus as the flowers which are known as marigolds.
Calendula is a versatile plant with numerous uses, including a history of traditional use as a medicinal plant. It is only the edible calendula flowers which are used for the different applications.
Calendula flowers are daisy-like in appearance, and are brightly colored in shades of oranges and yellows. Both the fresh and dried calendula flowers can be used in culinary applications.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for calendula is Calendula officinalis. Calendula belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and Genus Calendula.
Culinary Use
Calendula has a mildly sweet, yet slightly bitter or peppery taste which becomes more enhanced with drying. The flowers will add a little zing to your dishes when used as a culinary herb.
You can use the whole flowers, or just the petal pieces. You can use either the fresh flowers or dried forms of this edible flower.
The colorful blooms and petals can be used to garnish salads, pastas, and many other dishes, which will benefit from the bright burst of color. Use the brightly colored flowers to decorate your baking as well, using them on cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
Add them to edible flower ice cubes, for a burst of color and decoration in your in cool drinks, mocktails, and cocktails. Calendula tea is another drink which can be made with calendula flowers, and can be consumed as a hot drink or as an iced tea.
5. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are easy to grow, and are great plants for the herb and flower garden. These are some of the most common edible flowers.
These edible flowers are bright and colorful, and last for up to 7 days on the plant.
The flowers are showy and interesting in appearance, and come in a range of bright colors from orange and yellow flowers, to reds, creams, and pinks as well.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for nasturtium is Tropaeolum majus. The plant is a member of the Family Tropaeolaceae, and the Genus Tropaeolum.
Culinary Use
Fresh nasturtium flowers have a sweet and peppery flavor, which is more enhanced when the flowers are picked fresh off the plant. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, with similar flavors.
Nasturtium is a versatile edible flower with multiple culinary applications.
The flowers can be stuffed with soft cheese as well as other fillings. They can also be used to decorate cocktails and other drinks.
The flowers can be used as a colorful garnish for fresh salads, soups, as well as other dishes. In addition, they can also be used to garnish baking, including cakes and other desserts.
6. Bachelor Buttons
Centaurea cyanus is the species name for the bachelor button plant which can be used as an edible flower. These annual plants are easy to grow from seed.
"Bachelor button" is a common name for Centaurea cyanus, however it is also a common name for other flower species which are not edible. Make sure if consuming, that you have the right plant.
Bachelor button flowers offer a lovely variety of small colorful petals, in shades of pink and purple, as well as blue flowers. The flowers are fun to use if adding to your dishes for ornamental and decorative value.
Flowers and petals can be used both fresh and dried.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for bachelor buttons is Centaurea cyanus. The plant belongs to the Family Asteraceae and Genus Centaurea.
Culinary Use
Bachelor buttons have a mild spicy flavor, and may be slightly sweet or clove-like in taste.
The bright flowers or flower petals can be used to garnish salads, cocktails, and desserts, adding an ornamental and creative touch.
7. Chamomile
The chamomile plant is an ancient herb that is easy to grow from seed, and makes a great addition to the herb and vegetable garden.
The small edible daisy-like flowers have white petals and yellow centres. Flowers can be used in both the fresh and dried states.
The leaves can also be harvested, and used in the young and tender state.
Scientific Name
There are a number of popular chamomile species, including but not limited to Chamaemelum nobile and Matricaria chamomilla. Chamomile is a member of the Family Asteraceae. Chamaemelum nobile belongs to the Genus Chamaemelum, and Matricaria chamomilla belongs to the Genus Matricaria.
Culinary Use
Chamomile flowers have a fruity and slightly sweet taste, similar to an apple. When you open up a mason jar filled with dried chamomile flowers you will be met with a lovely burst of sweet apple-like aroma.
The small flowers are often used to make a calming and soothing tea. Chamomile tea has a tendency to have a slightly bitter taste if steeped for too long.
The chamomile flowers can also be used to decorate baking, salads, and other dishes.
8. Roses
Roses have edible flowers, which come in many different sizes, shapes and colors. The many different cultivars of roses can be propagated in a number of different ways, including growing from seed, and propagating from cuttings.
These edible flowers can be used in a variety of different ways.
Rose petals and blooms can be used in either the fresh or dried forms. The dried flowers will be less aromatic and have less taste than the fresh form, however will still lend to a creative display.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for roses is Rosa. Roses belong to the Family Rosaceae, and to the Genus Rosa.
Culinary Use
Roses have a slightly sweet and floral taste, depending on the cultivar. The whole flowers or just the petals, can be used in a variety of culinary projects.
Rose flowers have a long history of culinary use, especially in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. The edible flowers can be added as a colorful garnish to salads, baking, and to a variety of different dishes.
The petals can be also be candied, and used as a decorative touch in this manner. The rose flowers and petals can also be used to flavor tea, either alone or in combination with other edible flowers and herbal ingredients.
9. Lilacs
Lilacs are such beautiful and aromatic flowers, with a unique scent all of their own, and a flavor which matches the scent. Lilac plants can be grown from seed, from cuttings, as well as from shoots.
Each lilac flower is actually a cluster of smaller blossoms, which can be removed from the larger flower and individually placed.
Lilac flowers are best used in the fresh form, as dried lilac blossoms tend to brown as they dry. Use the open fresh blossoms, versus the still closed buds, for best results and flavor.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for lilacs is Syringa vulgaris. Lilacs belong to the Family Oleaceae, and to the Genus Syringa. Syringa vulgaris is also known as the common lilac.
Culinary Use
Lilac flowers have a lovely sweet flavor with floral undertones. The flowers taste very much like the fragrance of the blooms.
These edible flowers are lovely to work with, and can be used the same as many other edible flowers, to garnish all sorts of dishes, especially salads and baking.
The lilac blooms can also be used to make lilac sugar infusions, lilac jelly, and a delicious floral lilac syrup, all of which have the subtle scent and taste of the blooms.
The sweet lilac blossoms can also be candied, before adding to cakes and cookies, and decorating with the delicate flowers.
10. Dandelion
The flowers of dandelions are simple and charming, with sunny yellow faces covered by many thin petals.
Dandelions are not just your everyday common garden or lawn weeds, as many of us have come to see them. These plants are actually perennial herbs, with a long history of use in traditional medicine.
The dandelion flower is an edible flower, and other parts of the dandelion plant can be consumed as well.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for dandelion is Taraxacum officinale. Dandelion is a member of the Family Asteraceae, and Genus Taraxacum.
Culinary Use
Dandelion flowers have a sweet and earthy flavor, although can also sometimes be quite bitter as well, depending on the blooms. The flavor is dependent on the time of harvest, and also the manner in which they are prepared.
Dandelion flowers can be used to make a delightful dandelion jelly, which has a honey-like flavor.
The edible petals can also be added to green salads for a slightly bitter taste.
Dandelions have traditionally been used to make different types beverages, including wine, and herbal tea.
11. Sunflower
Sunflowers are edible flowers, that are easy to plant and grow from seed. Although it is generally the seeds of the sunflower plant which are eaten, the petals and flower buds can also be consumed.
Sunflower petals can vary in size, shape, and color depending upon the cultivar. Colors are generally along the yellow and orange tones, but can be found in red tones as well.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for sunflower is Helianthus annuus. Sunflower belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and to the Genus Helianthus.
Culinary Use
There are a number of different ways to eat sunflowers. Sunflower petals have a slightly bittersweet flavor.
Petals can be used to garnish salads and baking, in smaller quantities.
The petals can also be made into a tea, by brewing the petals in hot water. Keep in mind that the tea may become bitter, and a sweetener such as honey may help to sweeten the brew.
Sunflower buds, and even larger immature heads, can also be consumed. Sautéing the sunflowers in garlic and butter will help to soften and prepare the sunflowers for eating.
12. Tulip
Tulips are not commonly used as an edible flower, but rather are most often used as an ornamental plant in the garden. The tulip flowers and petals however are edible, and can be consumed.
Tulips come in a wide array of different colors, and will add a bright pop of color to any creation on which they are used. Just make sure to use organic flowers, and avoid using flowers sold at the florist's and from big box stores.
When using tulips as edible flowers, use only the flowers and petals, as the tulip bulbs should never be eaten.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for tulip is Tulipa. Tulip belongs to the Family Liliaceae, and to the Genus Tulipa.
Culinary Use
Tulip petals have a mild floral flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Tulip petals can be used as a garnish for salads and baking.
13. Apple Blossoms
Apple blossoms are the flowers of the apple tree. The blooms have a beautiful delicate appearance, and are often pink or white, depending on the cultivar of apple, as well as the timing of the harvest.
These sweet flowers also have a delicate fragrance. They are five petalled, and grow in clusters on the apple tree in early spring.
The blossoms can be used in a number of culinary applications.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for apple blossoms is Malus domestica. Apple trees and apple blossoms belong to the Family Rosaceae, and to the Genus Malus.
Culinary Use
Apple blossoms taste slightly sweet with floral notes. Taste will vary depending on apple cultivar and freshness of the blooms.
Eat only a few of the blossoms, as they should not be eaten in excess. The flowers contain small amounts of toxins that can cause digestive problems if eaten in excess.
Use the apple blossoms to garnish your dishes and desserts, sprinkled over the creations, or used to decorate the edges of your plate.
The petals can also be used to make jams, jelly and syrups, and can also be steeped into a tea.
14. Magnolia
Magnolia flowers are known for their simple yet elegant beauty, and exquisite presentation. These edible flowers will make a statement anywhere that they are used.
The blooms will vary in size and shape, depending on the cultivars. Often cup shaped and white or pink toned, the flowers can also be more open in form, and grow in other colors as well.
The petals are usually smooth and velvety, adding to their simplicity.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for magnolia is Magnolia virginiana. Magnolia belongs to the Family Magnoliaceae, and to the Genus Magnolia.
Culinary Use
The flavor of magnolia petals is dependent on the cultivar being eaten. Often the petals have a refreshing, sweet and citrus-like flavor.
Magnolia flowers can be used as a beautiful garnish for salads and baking, as well as can be added to other dishes for a subtle floral note.
15. Chive Blossoms
Chives are easy to grow from seed, and are a great plant to have in the herb garden.
Chive blossoms are the most darling edible flowers to use for savory dishes. Use either the whole flowers, or pull the blossoms off the flower heads, and sprinkle them on your dishes.
Chive flowers are often lavender purple in color, and sometimes also have a pink blush, depending on the maturity of the bloom.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for chive blossoms is Allium schoenoprasum. Chive belongs to the Family Amaryllidaceae, and to the Genus Allium.
Culinary Use
The surprisingly sweet petals of chives have a mild savory taste, similar to onion. The blooms are perfect for adding to dishes in which you are looking for that savory flavor.
Use the chive blossoms fresh from the garden, and add them to dishes such as chive butter and devilled eggs. You can also use them to make a chive infused vinegar, which turns a rosy pink tinge from the flowers.
Sprinkle on cool foods, like cottage cheese, for a bit of mild chive flavor.
16. Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne's lace plants have pretty lacy flowers, which are also edible. Also known as wild carrot, the flowers can be used in culinary applications.
It is very important however to correctly identify the Queen Anne's lace plant before consuming, as there are other look-alike plants which are poisonous, and not at all edible, such as poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), and wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa).
Scientific Name
The scientific name for Queen Anne's lace is Daucus carota. Queen Anne's lace belongs to the Family Apiaceae, and to the Genus Daucus.
Culinary Use
The flowers of Queen Anne's lace have an earthy, slightly sweet, and carrot-like flavor and fragrance.
The blooms can be added to salads and soups, and used as a garnish. They can also be used to make a lovely jelly, as well as a syrup.
The Queen Anne's lace flowers can be used to make herbal tea, and as well infused into vinegar.
17. Yarrow
The yarrow plant is easy to grow from seed. Yarrow flowers are made up of many smaller flowers, clustered together on a larger flower head.
Each tiny flower within the flower head is daisy-like in appearance, with petals and a central disc.
The flowers vary in color, depending on the cultivar grown, and range in color from muted pastels to brighter pinks and yellows.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for yarrow is Achillea millefolium. Yarrow belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and to the Genus Achillea.
Culinary Use
Yarrow flowers have a distinctive and slightly bitter flavor or spicy taste, with a floral note. Both the leaves and the flowers have the same flavor, and also smell like they taste.
If the flowers are used to make a yarrow tea, the tea itself is very pleasant, with a slightly sweet floral flavor.
Yarrow flowers can be used to garnish salads and other dishes. The blooms can be used in both the fresh and dried forms.
18. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a native wildflower, commonly found growing in open fields and along forest edges in mid to late summer.
The plants have attractive golden yellow blooms which are edible, however uncommonly eaten since they have a somewhat bitter taste.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for goldenrod is Solidago, with the specific epithets varying, depending on the species. For example, the scientific name of the species Canada goldenrod is Solidago canadensis. Goldenrod belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and to the Genus Solidago.
Culinary Use
Both the flowers and the leaves of the goldenrod plant can be used to make a goldenrod tea. The flowers can be used in both the fresh and dried forms.
Goldenrod tea has a herbal taste, somewhat like a green tea. The strength of the taste is cultivar dependent, and can be milder in some varieties.
Goldenrod flowers can also be used as a garnish for salads and decorative baking. The dried flowers can also be infused into an edible oil, and used for culinary purposes.
19. Fireweed
Fireweed flowers are native wildflowers, most often found growing in disturbed areas such as clearcut land, fire disturbed locations, along roadways, and in open fields.
The four petalled fuchsia colored blossoms grow on spiked flower stalks, in a wild and carefree manner.
The flowers of fireweed are high in nectar content, and provide a feast for the pollinators. These blooms are also edible flowers, and can be used in culinary applications.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for fireweed is Chamerion angustifolium. Fireweed belongs to the Family Onagraceae, and to the Genus Chamaenerion.
Culinary Use
Fireweed flowers have a mild floral flavor, and taste slightly sweet and refreshing.
Fireweed blossoms can be used as a garnish on salads and desserts.
The flowers can also be used to make a delicious fireweed jelly, infused syrup, and as well can be added to a fragrant and tasty fireweed tea.
20. Elderberry
Elderberry flowers grow on large flattened flower heads, and the white flowers are grouped together in clusters, called umbels. Each tiny individual flower is star shaped, with five petals.
The fragrant flowers have a sweet scent and are often used in culinary applications. The blooms should not be eaten fresh however, unless they are used in an infusion, such as in a brewed tea.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for elderberry is Sambucus nigra. Elderberry belongs to the Family Adoxaceae, and to the Genus Sambucus.
Culinary Use
Elderberry flowers have a delicate floral flavor, which is slightly sweet, and often compared to the taste of chamomile.
Elderberry flowers should not be eaten raw however, due to potential gastric upset, and are best used in the cooked state, or in an infusion, such as in a tea.
Cook elderberry flowers to make a syrup or sauce. Tea can be made with either the fresh or dried elderberry flowers.
21. Dahlia
Not only are dahlias beautiful ornamental plants to grow in the garden and use as cut flowers, , the flowers are also edible as well.
There are many different dahlia cultivars to choose from. As a result, dahlia flowers come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, as well as in many different color combinations.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for dahlia is Dahlia pinnata. Dahlia belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and to the Genus Dahlia.
Culinary Use
Dahlias have a mild, and slightly sweet refreshing flavor, which varies depending on the variety used. The petals can also be slightly crunchy, depending on their size, which adds texture to the dishes in which they are used.
The petals of dahlia flowers have a number of culinary applications, and can be used to garnish, as well as to add flavor to your dishes.
Add the colorful petals to salads, fruit salads, and to other dishes. Use them to decorate baking projects such as cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
22. Quince Blossoms
Quince blossoms, just like many other early spring fruit blossoms, are edible flowers.
The flowers are uncommonly consumed, however they do make a beautiful garnish. If you have a quince shrub, consider using these beautiful flowers to decorate your baking.
The apricot pink petals are soft and delicate in appearance, therefore lending to a feminine feel when used to decorate your baking or salads.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for quince is Cydonia oblonga. Quince is a member of the Family Rosaceae, and the Genus Cydonia.
Culinary Use
Quince flowers have a mild floral taste and aroma.
Use the beautiful pastel flowers to garnish salads, desserts, and drinks. Use the whole flowers, or use just the petals alone.
23. Cosmos Sulphureus
Cosmos sulphureus flowers are considered edible, however other types of cosmos are not, so be careful in your selection of edible cosmos.
This species of cosmos is known commonly as sulphur cosmos, as well as yellow cosmos. The plant is easy to grow from seed.
The flowers are daisy-like in appearance, and the delicate petals are generally orange to orange-yellow in color.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for cosmos sulphureus is Cosmos sulphureus. The plant is a member of the Family Asteraceae, and the Genus Cosmos.
Culinary Use
The flowers of cosmos sulphureus are not usually consumed for their taste, which is a mild and somewhat bitter earthy flavor.
Rather, the petals from the flowers can be used for their ornamental value as a decorative garnish.
The flower petals of cosmos sulphurous make a colorful garnish for salads and baking.
24. Daylilies
Daylilies are edible, and can be used in your culinary creations. Daylily plants are easy to grow from seed, and also make great ornamental garden plants.
Daylilies come in a wide variety of forms and colors. The flowers range from spider-like to more compact blooms, with ruffled or toothy petals. Color range is quite varied as well, from oranges and pinks, to multi-toned and even blotched.
Daylily flowers last only a day.
Make sure that you are eating hemerocallis, the daylily, and not another type of lily, which may be toxic.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for daylilies is Hemerocallis. Daylilies belong to the Family Asphodelaceae, and to the Genus Hemerocallis.
Culinary Use
Daylilies have a mild and refreshing delicate floral flavor. The taste will vary with the daylily cultivar that is used.
Usually it is only the daylily petals or buds that have culinary use.
The petals can be used to garnish salads and deserts in creative ways. They can also be used to make a refreshing daylily jelly, which has a delicate floral flavor.
Dayliliy buds can be used in a stir fry, in addition to being sautéed, and are popular in certain cuisines.
25. Bergamot
Bergamot is a popular garden plant that is easy to grow, and can be found in both perennial and annual varieties. The plant is also known as bee balm, and Oswego tea.
Bergamot flowers are distinctive in appearance. The petals are tubular in shape, grow in clusters, and are often toothed or fringed, giving the flower a unique appearance.
Colors vary from deep red, to various shades of pink and purple flowers.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for bergamot is Monarda didyma. Bergamot belongs to the Family Lamiaceae (mint family), and to the Genus Monarda.
Culinary Use
Bergamot flowers have a strong but pleasant aroma, with a spicy and slightly oregano-like or minty flavor. They can also be somewhat bitter, depending on the cultivar.
The flowers can be used as a garnish, and also used to add a spicy flavor to different dishes.
Bergamot flowers can be used in both the fresh and dried forms to make a bergamot tea. The brewed tea will have the minty and spicy flavor of the bergamot flowers.
26. Chicory
Wild chicory flowers are edible, and therefore offer a beautiful and unique color of blue to any culinary creation. These plants can be grown from seed, or foraged in safe locations to obtain the flowers.
Chicory flowers are daisy-like in form, and either the whole flowers or individual florets can be used.
The pale lavender-blue flowers are unique and ornamental.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for wild chicory is Cichorium intybus. Chicory belongs to the Family Asteraceae, and Genus Cichorium.
Culinary Use
Chicory flowers can have a slightly bitter taste.
The flowers can be added as a garnish to salads and baking, adding a pop of the unique mauve blue tones to your dishes.
The flowers can also be used to steep into a herbal tea, although it is generally the roasted chicory root that is used to make a tea or coffee substitute, rather than the flowers.
27. Perennial Phlox
It's important to know that not all phlox cultivars are considered to be edible. Perennial phlox flowers are considered edible, however the annual cultivars are not.
Research the variety of phlox that you are considering consuming, before eating any of the flowers from the plant.
The five petalled flowers are delicate and small, and therefore are the perfect size for garnishing.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for perennial phlox is Phlox paniculata. Perennial phlox is a member of the Family Polemoniaceae, and the Genus Phlox.
Culinary Use
Perennial phlox flowers have a slightly spicy, as well as sweet flavour.
Use phlox flowers as a garnish for salads (especially fruit salads), in addition to using in cocktails, canapés, and desserts.
Candy the flowers with egg whites and sugar for an extra sparkling touch to the garnished blossoms.
Conclusion
Using edible flowers in the kitchen is all the rage, in addition to being a very popular creative endeavor. Bring in those bright organic flowers or petals, to decorate your baking, salads, and drinks.
Decorating with edible flowers is creative, and beautiful. The unexpected flavor of the edible blooms is often surprising and pleasing, therefore adding to a new experience.
It is important however to be aware that not all flowers are edible, and in fact some can be poisonous. The best way to stay safe with edible blooms is to follow the safety precautions that have been reviewed.
Even with edible flowers, as with all foods, some people may not be able to consume them due to potential allergic reactions.
Make sure to do your research before using edible flowers. In addition, only use flowers which have been harvested from a safe location, free of chemicals, pesticides and animal waste.
Disclaimer: Farmhouse and Blooms has researched all of the edible flowers included within this article, however any individuals consuming these flowers do so at their own risk. Always follow safe use practices, and if uncertain about allergies or consumption, please contact your doctor.
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