Edible flowers add beauty and flavor to dishes while being easy to grow in any garden.
Popular Edible Flowers:
- Nasturtiums: Peppery taste, perfect for salads.
- Calendula: Slightly spicy and great for soups.
- Violas and Pansies: Mild, sweet flavor, ideal for garnishes.
- Chive Blossoms: Onion-like flavor, perfect for savory dishes.
- Lavender: Sweet and floral, great for baked goods and teas.
How to Grow Edible Flowers:
- Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Avoid using pesticides or chemical fertilizers on edible flowers.
- Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Harvesting Tips:
- Pick flowers early in the morning when they’re freshest.
- Rinse them gently in cool water and pat dry.
- Use flowers immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Using Edible Flowers:
- Add them to salads for a pop of color and flavor.
- Infuse syrups, oils, or teas for unique flavors.
- Decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cocktails with fresh blooms.