Edible Flowers / by Eric Monteiro

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers not only have strong visual appeal, adding a splash of color and a little whimsy to any dish, they also have subtle flavors that complement other key ingredients. Flowers served in February may bring a welcome hint of spring to your plate, not to mention a romantic twist to a Valentine's Day meal!

 History

The use of flowers in cuisine dates back thousands of years with the first written record of the culinary use of flowers by the Romans dating back to 140 B.C.  Flowers were added to recipes in ancient Greek and Chinese cultures, and the Victorian era saw a revival of edible flowers such as Violets, Primroses, Gilly Flowers and Nasturtiums. Italian and Hispanic cultures favored stuffed Squash Blossoms, Indians used Rose Petals, and Day Lily buds were often seen in Oriental dishes.

 Source and Safety

Of course not all flowers are edible, and some flowers are edible while the stems and leaves are not or vice versa. If you are thinking of using flowers in your recipes, please research thoroughly to make sure you are using them safely. Source your flowers from a trusted supplier growing them for culinary use only, or grow them yourself using proper guidelines. Never use flowers from your local florist for your cuisine as they are probably tainted by pesticides, and do not use flowers you find growing along the road.

 Our Favorite Flowers

According to Executive Sous Chef, Michael Finizia, some of the flowers used most in our commissary include: The Micro orchid, Egyptian Star Flowers, all varieties of Viola, Blue Borage Blossom, Dianthus Flower, Dill Flowers, Mint Blossoms and Lavender. 

Our Vegetable Cloche Terrarium hosts all of these flowers. Our Lavender Sorbet is garnished with Lavender Blossoms and our Artisan Bouillabaisse dish features Fennel Blossoms.

 

A Short List Of Popular Edible Flowers

There are over 42 edible flowers, this list includes 23 of the most commonly used blossoms.

Pot Marigold and Signet Marigold

Complements any green salad with a bright splash of orange adding a nice peppery taste.

Egyptian Star Flower

These soft pink delicate blossoms add a sweet grassy aroma.

Nasturtium

The most popular of edible flowers, Nasturtiums also add a bright splash of color and lend a sweet, floral flavor with a peppery finish.

Borage

Resembling little purple stars, these delicate blooms have a cool cucumber taste and can be set in ice cubes to decorate a drink or added to cookies, cakes and desserts.

Pansy

Pansies come in a wide variety of colors and can be used to brighten up your dish. They have a delicate fragrance and mild wintergreen flavor

Micro Orchids

Miniature orchids come in red, orange, yellow,  purple and white and add a fresh flavor similar to cucumber or watermelon.

Viola

Sweet perfumed flavors taste great in salads and beautifully embellish desserts and iced drinks.

Dianthus

Sweet petals with a sweet, perfumed aroma.

Johnny Jump-Up

Subtle, mint flavor, great for drinks, fruit dishes, salads and pastas.

Mint Flowers

Well, these have a minty flavor… of course!

Rosemary Flowers

Flavor-wise, these are a milder version of the herb and go well with any dish using rosemary.

Sage Blossoms

Sage flowers have a subtle flavor similar to the leaves.

Lemon Verbena

The subtle lemon flavor is suitable for teas and desserts.

Lilac

Pungent, with a floral citrusy aroma.

Violets

Violets are a well-known edible flower. They are sweet, floral and make a beautiful garnish. Use in salads, desserts and drinks.

Primrose

With a similar taste to lettuce, these pretty yellow blossoms go well with salad.

Gladiolus

Flowers can be stuffed or petals removed for a salad garnish

Dill

The yellow dill flowers taste a lot like the herb’s leaves.

Yellow Fennel

The Yellow Fennel flowers decorate any dish and add a subtle liqorice flavor. Combines well with fish, meat and vegetable dishes.

Day lily

Slightly sweet, reminiscent of sweet lettuce or melon. Petals go well with desserts or sprinkled in salad, and the whole flower can be stuffed like squash blossoms. Looks beautiful as garnish on a frosted cake

Lavender

A sweet, floral flavor with lemon and citrus undertones, Lavender works with sweet and savory dishes alike.

Angelica

Adds a liquorice-like flavor.

Arugula Blossoms

These range in color from white to yellow with dark purple streaks and bring a peppery flavor to your plate.