Edible flowers are flowers that can be eaten safely. Flowers can be eaten as vegetables used as herbs or consumed as a main part of a meal. Not all flowers are safe to eat some flowers are safe to eat only in small amounts. These edible flowers are added to foods to provide flavor, aroma, and decoration. It can offer a unique burst of flavor and color to many dishes such as salads, sauces, beverages, and entrées. Some edible flowers can even offer health benefits. Edible flowers are a rich source of important minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and necessary fiber. Several non-toxic plants can cause severe allergies in some people.
Top Edible Flowers
1. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is known for its brightly colored blossoms and unique, savory flavor. The flowers and leaves are edible and can be consumed cooked or raw. They have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor. However, the blossoms are milder than the leaves. Nasturtium flowers are funnel-shaped. They are orange, red, or yellow. While leaves are round and resemble small lily pads. Which are tender enough to be used as salad greens or blended into pesto. The flowers can make a beautiful garnish for cakes, pastries, and salads. Nasturtium is loaded with nutrition containing a variety of minerals and health-promoting compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
2. Lavender
This floral herb was originally grown in parts of northern Africa and the Mediterranean. Lavender is most likely best known for its distinctive fragrance which has calming effects. The violet flowers are very small but plentiful. The combination of aroma and color makes lavender a perfect addition to a variety of foods such as baked goods, infused syrups, liqueurs, herbal teas, dry spice rubs, and herb mixtures. Lavender is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin A, iron, and calcium. According to research lavender tea can help reduce depression and anxiety. Lavender flowers are also used to aid digestive complaints such as gas and nausea.
3. Hibiscus
Hundreds of hibiscus species exist, but the most popular edible variety is known as roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa. This plant produces large, ornate blossoms. It usually grows in tropical and subtropical climates. Hibiscus flowers can grow in many colors such as red, white, yellow, and various shades of pink. This plant is even for its culinary and medicinal applications. An individual can consume the flower raw straight from the plant but it is usually used for tea, relishes, jam, or salads. Hibiscus tea provides many medicinal properties. Research says that hibiscus can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hibiscus tea is served hot or cold. The tea is bright red and has a tart, somewhat sour flavor. Regular intake of the hibiscus flower enhances skin and hair health as well.
4. Dandelion
Dandelions are highly nutritious edible flowers. They have small blossoms with many tiny, bright-yellow petals. As per studies they supply various plant compounds known to have powerful antioxidant properties. Every part of this plant can be consumed such as flowers, roots, stems, and leaves. Dandelions are antioxidant-rich flowers that can help control blood sugar leaves, important in diabetes management. It even promotes eye health, immune support, and skin health.
5. Honeysuckle
There are 200 honeysuckle species that exist. The most common are the Japanese and woodbine varieties. The fragrant blossoms come in light yellow or white. It has nectar that can be eaten straight from the flower. Honeysuckle flower extraction is applied to the skin to treat various inflammatory conditions. The flower and its nectar are perfectly safe to eat. But the berries of some varieties can be toxic if consumed in large quantities Honeysuckle is usually used to make tea or a fragrant, flavorful syrup.