Nature’s Hidden Gems: 15 Edible Flowers to Enliven Your Cooking
When we contemplate flavour enhancers in the kitchen, common ingredients such as herbs, spices, and seasonings frequently spring to mind. However, nature has bestowed upon us a vibrant array of edible flowers that can impart a touch of whimsy, vivid colours, and unique flavours to our culinary creations. From the delicate and fragrant to the bold and peppery, these edible blooms can transform even the most straightforward dish into a visual and gustatory delight.
Whether you are an avid gardener or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and flavours of nature, exploring the world of edible flowers can be an exciting adventure. So, let us embark on a journey through your very own garden, where we’ll uncover 15 different types of edible flowers that you might easily find or cultivate, and discover how to incorporate them into your culinary repertoire.
1. Lavender
The fragrant lavender flower is not only beautiful but also a culinary gem. Its distinctive floral aroma and slightly sweet, herbaceous flavour make it a versatile addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. Use lavender buds to infuse sugar, honey, or vinegar, or incorporate them into baked goods, cocktails, or even savoury dishes like roasted meats or vegetables.
2. Borage
Borage, also known as starflower, is a striking blue-hued edible flower with a cucumber-like flavour. Its petals can be used to garnish salads, drinks, or even desserts, adding not only a pop of colour but also a refreshing taste. Borage flowers can also be candied or infused into vinegars for a unique twist.
3. Thyme
While thyme is primarily known as an aromatic herb, its tiny, purple flowers are also edible and can add a burst of flavour to your dishes. The thyme flowers have a slightly more intense flavour than the leaves, making them an excellent addition to savoury dishes, marinades, and even baked goods.
4. Arugula
While arugula leaves are a common ingredient in salads and sandwiches, the delicate, white flowers of the arugula plant are also edible and pack a peppery punch. These blooms can add a unique flavour and textural contrast to salads or be used as a garnish for savoury dishes, bringing a touch of spice and visual appeal.
5. Nasturtium
Nasturtium flowers are a true culinary delight, offering a peppery, slightly spicy flavour that can add a burst of taste to your dishes. These vibrant blooms come in shades of yellow, orange, and red, making them not only flavorful but also visually appealing. Use nasturtium flowers to garnish salads, soups, or even savoury baked goods for a punch of flavour and colour.
6. Marigold
Marigolds, with their bright orange or yellow hues, are not only visually stunning but also edible. These flowers have a slightly bitter, tangy flavour that can add depth to savoury dishes, such as soups, stews, and even rice dishes. They can also be used to infuse oils or vinegars or as a colourful garnish for salads and savoury baked goods.
7. Pansy and Viola
These delicate, colourful blooms are not only beautiful to behold but also delightfully edible. Pansies and violas have a slightly sweet, floral flavour with a hint of grassiness. They make an excellent garnish for desserts, salads, and cocktails, adding both visual appeal and a subtle flavour boost.
8. Chamomile
Best known for its soothing properties in herbal teas, chamomile flowers also make an excellent addition to various dishes. Their delicate, apple-like flavour pairs beautifully with sweet and savoury dishes alike. Try sprinkling chamomile petals over salads, infusing them into butters or vinegars, or even incorporating them into baked goods like scones or shortbread for a subtle, floral note.
9. Cilantro
While coriander leaves are a staple in many cuisines, the delicate white or purple coriander flowers are also edible and offer a milder version of the herb’s distinct flavour. These blooms can add a subtle citrusy note to salads, soups, or even cocktails, making them a versatile and flavorful addition to your culinary creations.
10. Mint
Fresh mint leaves are a common ingredient in many cuisines, but did you know that the delicate mint flowers are also edible? These small, purple or white blooms have a refreshing, minty flavour that can enhance the taste of salads, drinks, and desserts. Use them as a garnish or infuse them into syrups or vinegars for a vibrant twist.
11. Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms, particularly those from courgette or pumpkin plants, are a true culinary gem. These bright yellow or orange blooms have a delicate flavour reminiscent of their respective squash varieties. They can be stuffed with savoury fillings, such as cheese or meat, and fried to create a crispy and delightful appetiser. Alternatively, you can incorporate them into salads, soups, or even quesadillas for a pop of colour and flavour.
12. Lovage
Lovage is an under-appreciated herb with edible, yellow-green flowers that offer a unique flavour profile. These blooms have a warm, celery-like taste with hints of anise and curry, making them a fantastic addition to soups, stews, and marinades. You can also use lovage flowers as a garnish for savoury dishes or even infuse them into vinegars or oils.
13. Rose
The rose, a symbol of beauty and romance, is not just visually stunning but also a culinary delight. Rose petals have a delicate, floral aroma and a slightly sweet, slightly tart flavour that can elevate desserts, beverages, and even savoury dishes. Use them to infuse syrups, jellies, or vinegars, or garnish your favourite dishes with a few fragrant petals for a touch of elegance.
14. Violet
Violets are not only beautiful to look at but also offer a delicate, floral flavour that can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes. Their petals can be used to garnish desserts, salads, or even beverages, adding a touch of whimsy and a subtle, sweet taste. Violet flowers can also be candied or used to infuse syrups or vinegars.
15. Calendula
Also known as pot marigold, calendula is a vibrant and edible flower with a peppery, slightly bitter taste. Its petals can add a pop of colour and flavour to salads, rice dishes, and even soups. Calendula is also a popular ingredient in herbal teas and can be used to infuse oils or vinegars for a unique flavour profile.
As you explore the world of edible flowers, it’s important to remember that not all flowers are safe for consumption. Always ensure that you are working with edible varieties and that they have not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Additionally, for those with allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to exercise caution when introducing new edible flowers into your diet. To truly elevate your culinary experience and showcase these floral gems in their best light, consider investing in high-quality kitchenware.
At Oishya, we understand the importance of using premium tools and utensils that not only enhance the flavours of your ingredients but also bring joy and ease to the cooking process. Our handmade Japanese kitchen knives, like the bestselling Sakai Kyuba and Seki Kyuba, are crafted with precision and expertise, ensuring a seamless cutting experience that preserves the delicate textures and flavours of your edible flowers. Embrace the beauty and flavours of nature by incorporating edible flowers into your culinary creations, and elevate your experience with the premium tools from Oishya. Let these unexpected flavour boosters from your own garden inspire you to explore new culinary horizons and create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning.
