Edible flowers
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Edible flowers are flowers that can be eaten. Edible flowers may be preserved for future use using techniques such as drying, freezing or steeping in oil. They can be used in drinks, jellies, salads, soups, syrups and main dishes. Flower-flavoured oils and vinegars are made by steeping edible flower petals in these liquids. Candied flowers are crystallized using egg white and sugar (as a perservative).
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[edit] Common edible flowers
- Artichoke (flower bud)
- Broccoli (flower buds)
- Cauliflower (flower buds)
- Chamomile (for tea)
- Chives (flowers or buds)
- Chrysanthemum (flower)
- Citrus blossoms (lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit)
- Clover
- Daisies (Bellis perennis quills)
- Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale leaves, roots, flowers, petals, buds)
- Daylilies (Hemerocallis buds, flowers, petals)
- Elderflower (blossoms for drink)
- Hibiscus
- Honeysuckle
- Jasmine (for tea)
- Lilac (salads)
- Nasturtium (blossoms and seeds)
- Osmanthus fragrans (flower)
- Pansies (Viola x Wittrockiana flowers, petals)
- Pot Marigolds (Calendula officinalis petals with white heel removed)
- Roses (Rosa petals with white heel removed, rose hips)
- Sesbania grandiflora (flower)
- Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus buds, petals, seeds)
- Violet ('leaf and flowers in salads, candied flowers for pastry decoration')
- Zucchini blossoms (blossoms)
[edit] Risks
Some flowers are toxic, others may be edible only after appropriate preparations. Toxic flowers may be misidentified as edible when gathered. Allergic reactions are possible, especially from eating pollen. Both gathered flowers and those from a commercial grower may have been sprayed with toxic pesticides. Damaged, dirty or insect-ridden flowers may be unsafe to eat. Some flowers are not safe if eaten often.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Barash, Cathy Wilkinson. Edible Flowers from Garden to Palate. Golden: Fulcrum Publishing, 1993.
- Brown, Kathy. flowerpower. New York: Anness Publishing Limited, 2000.
- Mead, Chris and Emelie Tolley. a potpourri of Pansies. New York: Clarkson Potter Publishers, 1993.
- Strowbridge, Cynthia and Francesca Tillona. A Feast of Flowers. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1969.
