A bit of a different Fae Food Friday post this week, but why not explore some of the many flowers that we can grow, harvest and enjoy in our food and recipes? This can provide some fun and creativity into your garnishing, whether on cakes, salads, soups or pies. If this is something you would like to learn more about, you can purchase our e-book here, a short guide on 20 Healing Herbs with accompanying recipes. Anyway, let's step into the enchanting world of edible flowers! These delightful blooms add a touch of elegance and a burst of flavour to your culinary creations. Let's take a journey through some of the most popular edible flowers, each with its unique taste and charm.
Nasturtiums are a vibrant addition to any dish. Their bright, peppery flavour makes them perfect for salads and garnishes. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a colourful and zesty touch to your plate. I have recently started growing nasturtiums to add to my herbal apothecary and, if you are a gardener, I highly recommend these vibrant blooms as they are easy to grow and develop beautiful leaves and flowers alike!
If you've been following this blog for a while, you will already know that this is a fan club of all things pansy flower-related! Pansies come in a rainbow of colours and have a mild, slightly sweet flavour. They are ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. Their delicate appearance adds a whimsical touch to any sweet treat. Such fairy-like treats. Read about sugared pansies here.
Another herb grown in the herbal apothecary, lavender is not only known for its soothing fragrance but also for its culinary versatility. The flowers have a sweet, floral flavour that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury dishes. Try infusing lavender in sugar or honey for baking or adding it to roasted meats for a unique twist.
Borage flowers are beautiful. When a borage flower sprouted in the apothecary garden I was in total awe of its magical, purple-blue, star-like luminescence. They have a light cucumber flavour, making them a refreshing addition to summer salads and drinks. Their stunning blue hue can also add a pop of colour to your meals.
More apothecary flowers, marigolds, or calendula, have a slightly spicy and peppery flavour. Their bright petals can be used as a colourful garnish for salads, soups, and rice dishes. They not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle kick to your recipes. Another great flower to add to your herbal garden.
Who doesn't love roses? Not only are they lovely to look at or use in skincare, they are also great to eat! Their petals have a sweet, slightly spicy flavour that can be used in syrups, jams, and desserts. Rosewater, made from rose petals, is a fragrant addition to many Middle Eastern and Indian dishes.
Chive blossoms offer a mild onion flavour, making them a fantastic addition to savoury dishes. Sprinkle them over salads, soups, or baked potatoes for a burst of colour and taste!
Orchids
Orchids, like roses, are not just beautiful to look at...they are also edible! These exotic flowers have a slightly sweet, perfumey flavour that can add a touch of elegance to any dish. They are often used as garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails. Their stunning petals can also be crystallised for a lovely, decorative treat!
Butterfly Pea flowers are known for their striking blue colour and subtle, earthy flavour. They are often used to brew a vibrant blue tea, which can change to purple with a splash of lemon juice. These flowers are also great for adding colour to cocktails, rice dishes, and desserts, including icing!
Daisies
Daisies are dainty, little flowers that have a mild, slightly bitter flavour and are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to salads and garnishes. They're so common, so why not utilise them in your food? As with all edible flowers, always ensure that they are non-toxic, thoroughly identified and pesticide-free! Their cheerful appearance can brighten up any dish, making them a delightful addition to your culinary creations. Read about our daisy-studded lemon tart here.
Elderflowers, of the ancient, magical Elder tree, have a sweet, floral flavour that is often used to make syrups, cordials, and liqueurs. This tree truly is the gift that keeps on giving, a medicinal treasure chest with flowers that provide medicine and aesthetic beauty alike! They can also be used to flavour desserts, jams, and jellies. The delicate, fragrant blossoms add a touch of elegance and a delightful taste to various recipes. Read more about the Elder here.
Magnolia flowers have a unique, spicy-ginger flavour that can add an interesting twist to your dishes. They can be pickled, added to salads, or used as a garnish for cocktails and desserts. Their beautiful, large petals make a stunning and tasty addition to any meal. Read our chocolate magnolia recipe here.
These are certainly not the only edible flowers out there, of course! There are so many other wonderful blooms grown by Mother Earth that add beauty to your food. Incorporating edible flowers into your cooking is a wonderful way to experiment with new flavours and add a touch of natural beauty to your meals. Whether you’re garnishing a dish or infusing flavours, these flowers are sure to delight your taste buds and brighten your table. So next time you’re in the garden or at the market, don’t hesitate to pick up some of these edible blooms and let your culinary creativity blossom! Enjoy.