I absolutely adore pansies. They’re beautiful flowers that have always seemed so fairy-like…bursting with personality. Not only are they wonderfully healing (you can shop Pansy Flower Essence here), but they’re also edible! I’ve been using them in baking for a few years now but have only just started growing them this year. Unlike other edible flowers such as magnolias, chamomile, lavender etc, pansies have barely any taste, much like lettuce. Like lettuce, slugs absolutely love feasting on pansies too (as I found out quite soon as a new pansy-grower), so protecting your crop is quite the task! They smell wonderful, though. I have noticed, as have many other observers, that the yellow and deep purple pansies hold the greatest scent...floral and delicate! But first, let's learn more about the vibrant Viola Tricolor...

Pansies are a good source of nutrients, containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, especially lots of vitamins A, C, and E. They also contain flavonoids that protect the body's cells from inflammation. They are great for expelling phlegm from the lungs are mildly laxative and are great for treating skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. 

For centuries, the pansy has captivated the world. Many of its common names mirror the dreamy associations with these magical flowers, such as Heartsease and Love in Idleness. These Venusian nicknames are reflective of the fact pansies were consumed in association with heart-related purposes in many cultures, from the Ancient Greeks to the Ancient Celts, including being used in ancient 'love potions'. Throughout the centuries, the pansy has been widely associated with lovers, their beauty infusing the reminiscent, sweet thoughts of your lover when they are not by your side. This is even backed by the Doctrine of Signatures, which suggests that the heart-shaped leaves of the pansy help to cure a broken heart. 

The pansy is believed to be the flower that was used as the love spell that Puck (accidentally) drips into Lysander's eyes, causing him to fall in love with the first thing he saw in A Midsummer Night's Dream, maybe a reference to the ancient lore of the pansy flower in Roman mythology, which tells the story of how they were all once white until Cupid's arrow pierced them, staining them with the colours of love and desire...

Recipe:

Now, onto the recipe...

The method that I am going to share is a super easy one and that is how to make candied pansies! These are beautiful, sweet decorations to stud your food with. Instant food of the Fae!

What you need:

• Some washed, organic, pesticide-free Pansies (ensure they are free of pest control chemicals and edible!)
• 1 pasteurised egg white
• Sugar (I like to use castor sugar but granulated sugar works just as well)

Method:

1. Simply whisk up the egg white, brush onto the pansies and then coat them in the sugar. 
2. Leave them to dry overnight. You will notice they have all dried when they are quite solid and hard the next day.

The skill of making them incredibly neat takes time (something I also intend on brushing up on), as the fresh leaves are quite fiddly to coat. However, either way you end up with delightful, pretty candied flowers to decorate with.

It really is that easy! A delightfully decorative addition to any future sweet treats!

Note: If you are foraging or growing your own edible flowers, always ensure you’re 100% certain about the variety and whether it is edible. Edible violas include: Viola cornuta, Viola hybrida, Viola tricolor, Viola x williamsiana, Viola odorata.