Flowers are not just pretty to look at, they can also be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals. Many flowers are edible and can add flavor, color, and texture to your dishes. However, it’s important to note that not all flowers are safe to eat, so it’s essential to only consume those that are known to be edible.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular edible flowers, including Chamomile, Nasturtiums, Pansies, Calendula, Rose, Hibiscus, and Marigold. While this doesn’t cover the entire list of edible flowers, we find these most commonly in home gardens. You may already have most of these in your garden right now! Nasturtiums & Marigold have always been a staple in my kitchen garden for years. They are so easy to grow from seed, provide excellent balance & color in the garden AND they are perfect in a wide range of Spring & Summer dishes.
Chamomile
Chamomile flowers are a common ingredient in herbal teas, but they can also be used in cooking. Chamomile has a sweet, apple-like flavor and a subtle floral aroma. It pairs well with citrus, honey, and lavender. Chamomile flowers can be used to flavor baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, and can also be added to salads and soups. Chamomile is a staple in my garden. There are so many health benefits to Chamomile & the flowers look amazing in cocktails, desserts & salads. I love making a Honey Chamomile Simple Syrup in the Spring to use in refreshing cocktails!
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are vibrant, colorful flowers that have a slightly peppery taste. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, and they can be used in salads or as a garnish for savory dishes. Nasturtiums are also a great source of vitamin C. I start my Nasturtiums in the greenhouse each year because they are so easy to grow. I swear they are one of my fastest growing seedlings. They look incredible in a hanging basket or planter box when all of the leaves & colorful flowers are allowed to spill over. Not only are these an excellent addition to any flower garden but their edible nature makes them even better!
Pansies
Pansies are delicate, sweet flowers that come in a variety of colors. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are often used to add color to salads, desserts, and drinks. Pansies can also be candied and used as decorations for cakes and cupcakes. Pansies are usually one of the first bloomers in the Spring as they are incredibly cold hearty. I’ve had Pansies withstand several snowfalls & weeks of freezing weather – they LOVE the cold. They are also relatively easy to grow & maintain. My garden center usually starts offering Pansies for just $2 each in February & March. If you grow them from seed, it could take up to a year for the plan to bloom so if you’re looking for immediate gratification it’s best to start with store bought & let the plant grow & expand. Pansies are one of my favorite edible flowers to use in cocktails & salads. It’s mild, delicate & sweet enough to enjoy in moderation.
Calendula
Calendula, also known as a pot marigold, has a tangy, slightly bitter taste. The bright yellow and orange petals can be used to add color to salads, soups, and rice dishes. Calendula is also often used in teas and herbal remedies. There are some incredible health benefits to Calendulas which makes it a staple in my home garden for it’s many uses!
Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers have a tart, cranberry-like flavor and are often used to make tea. They can also be used in salads, syrups, and sauces. Hibiscus is also high in antioxidants and vitamin C. I love keeping my Hibiscus is big patio pots in the summer time. They do require a lot of sun in order to bloom so make sure to keep them in a south facing part of your yard or somewhere that gets at least 6+ hours of direct sunlight. I love using Hibiscus as a garnish during summer dinner parties & cocktails – they look & taste so fresh & tropical!
Rose
Roses have a delicate, floral flavor and aroma. The petals can be used in salads, desserts, and drinks, and can also be candied or used to make rose water. It’s important to note that only rose petals from organically grown roses should be used for consumption, as commercially grown roses may contain pesticides. Roses are one of my favorite edible flowers – they’re so fragrant & beautiful! And they are so versatile – from using rose petals in a salad to adding them as a garnish or even making a rose simple syrup to use in your next cocktail. Rose water is also great for your skin!
It’s important to note that not all flowers are safe to eat, and some may cause allergic reactions or digestive issues. If you’re unsure about whether a flower is edible, it’s best to avoid consuming it. When using edible flowers, it’s also important to use flowers that have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.
In conclusion, adding edible flowers to your meals can be a great way to add flavor, color, and nutrition to your diet. Just be sure to use only flowers that are known to be edible and have not been treated with harmful chemicals. With this guide, you can start experimenting with different edible flowers and discover new flavors and culinary possibilities.