Tasty Blooms: Beautiful Flowers You Can Eat

Who says flowers are just for looking at? Across the UK and beyond, edible flowers are taking pride of place on plates. And not just as delicate garnishes, but as flavourful, nutritious additions to sweet and savoury dishes alike.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring some floral flair to your cooking, here’s your guide to tasty blooms you can actually eat, plus a few tips on how to use them safely and deliciously.

Top Edible Flowers to Try

1. Nasturtiums

These vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers pack a peppery punch, a little bit like watercress. Use them in salads, on open sandwiches, or to brighten up a cheese board.

2. Violas and Pansies

Delicate, slightly grassy in flavour, and wonderfully decorative. These are great for topping cakes, cupcakes, and salads.

3. Courgette (Zucchini) Flowers

Mild and slightly sweet, they can be stuffed with soft cheese and herbs, then fried in a light batter — a summer treat!

4. Borage

These star-shaped blue flowers have a subtle cucumber flavour. Float them in iced drinks, scatter over summer salads, or freeze in ice cubes for cocktails.

5. Calendula (Marigold)

Often dubbed “poor man’s saffron,” calendula petals bring a slightly tangy taste and a pop of golden colour. Sprinkle over rice, pasta, or egg dishes.

6. Lavender

Strong and aromatic, lavender works well in baked goods, syrups, or even roasted with lamb. Use sparingly. A little goes a long way. And not all varieties of lavender taste very good. Try lavender varieties that are described as edible lavender. My wife makes delicious lavender scones!

7. Chive Blossoms

With a gentle onion flavour, chive flowers are ideal in egg dishes, soft cheeses, or potato salads.

8. Elderflowers

Found growing wild in hedgerows during late spring and early summer. Infuse into cordial, champagne, jellies, or mix into batters for floral fritters.

How to Use Edible Flowers Safely

Know your source: Only eat flowers you are 100% sure are safe and pesticide-free.

Avoid florists' blooms: These are often sprayed with chemicals that are not safe for food.

Grow your own: Herbs like chives, mint, and basil all flower beautifully in the right conditions.

Use sparingly: Some edible flowers can be strong or slightly bitter, start with a small amount and see how you get on with them.

Allergy note: If you suffer from hay fever or plant allergies, test cautiously.

Fun Ways to Use Edible Flowers

Garnish cakes and desserts

Make floral ice cubes for drinks

Decorate salads or canapés

Infuse oils, vinegars, or syrups

Create floral jellies and preserves

Final Thoughts

Edible flowers are a fun and sustainable way to make your cooking stand out. And they’re surprisingly easy to grow in your garden, balcony pots, or even a windowsill. Just be sure you know what you're nibbling, and your kitchen could soon become a blooming paradise.

Edible Flowers: Which Ones Are Safe to Use and Which to Avoid

Mehgan Markle has recently spoken about eating flowers. Some flowers can be eaten, some are toxic. 

I decided to write this post to help you work out which are which.

Adding flowers to dishes can bring an extra touch of elegance and intrigue, whether you're decorating cakes, garnishing cocktails, or experimenting with floral flavours in your cooking. 

But not all flowers are safe to eat—some can cause anything from mild discomfort to serious illness.

In this post, we’ll explore which flowers you can safely use in the kitchen and which ones to keep strictly ornamental.

Edible Flowers: Safe and Delicious

These flowers are not only safe to eat, but they also add unique flavours and textures to sweet and savoury dishes alike:

1. Violas and Pansies

Delicate and slightly sweet, these are ideal for decorating cakes, salads, and even ice cubes.

2. Calendula (Marigold)

Sometimes called "poor man's saffron", calendula petals add colour and a peppery, slightly tangy flavour to soups, salads, and rice dishes.

3. Nasturtiums

These vibrant flowers offer a peppery kick, making them a great addition to salads, canapés, and cheese boards.

4. Lavender

Best used sparingly, lavender has a strong, floral flavour that works beautifully in baked goods, syrups, and even roast meats.

5. Chive Blossoms

A subtle onion flavour with a touch of sweetness makes chive flowers a brilliant garnish for soups, potatoes, and savoury tarts.

6. Elderflowers

Most famously used in cordials and syrups, elderflowers also pair well with gooseberries, rhubarb, and sparkling wine.

7. Roses

Rose petals (free of pesticides) can be used in syrups, jellies, and desserts. They have a delicate, perfumed flavour—perfect in Turkish delight or rosewater-infused dishes.

8. Borage

With a mild cucumber flavour, borage flowers are great in drinks, summer salads, or frozen into ice cubes for a pretty punch bowl.

Toxic or Inedible Flowers: Avoid These

Some flowers may look lovely but are toxic or at least mildly harmful if ingested. Here are a few to steer clear of:

1. Foxglove

Extremely poisonous. Even small amounts can affect the heart. Never use as a garnish.

2. Lily of the Valley

Highly toxic and absolutely not for consumption, even in small decorative quantities.

3. Hydrangeas

Common in garden displays but contain cyanogenic compounds that can be dangerous when ingested.

4. Daffodils

All parts of the daffodil are toxic. They've been known to cause serious illness if mistaken for leeks or onions.

5. Sweet Peas

Despite the name, sweet peas are not edible and can cause nausea and weakness if consumed.

6. Buttercups

These are mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset. Best to avoid altogether.

Tips for Cooking with Flowers

Buy organic or grow your own: Make sure flowers haven’t been treated with pesticides or chemicals.

Identify with certainty: If you're unsure whether a flower is edible, don’t take a chance.

Use sparingly: Even edible flowers can cause allergic reactions in some people. Test in small amounts.

Remove stamens and pistils: These parts can be bitter or cause allergies—use just the petals in most cases.

Final Thoughts

Cooking with flowers can elevate your food visually and in flavour—but it's important to know exactly what you’re using. Stick with known edible varieties and always avoid flowers that are toxic or chemically treated.

Would you like a printable cheat sheet or a seasonal guide to edible flowers? Let me know and I’ll whip one up!

Exploring the World of Edible Flowers: Adding a Floral Touch to Your Dishes

In the vast realm of culinary delights, the addition of edible flowers to dishes has become a burgeoning trend, bringing a burst of colour, unique flavours, and a touch of elegance to the dining experience. 

Edible flowers are not just a feast for the eyes; they also introduce a delightful floral dimension to your palate. 

In this blog post, we'll take a journey into the world of edible flowers, exploring their diverse flavors, culinary uses, and the aesthetic charm they bring to the table.

The Blossoming Palette:

Edible flowers encompass a wide array of blooms that range from subtly sweet to mildly peppery, with hints of citrus, herbal, or spicy notes. Some popular choices include pansies, violets, nasturtiums, lavender, rose petals, chamomile, and marigolds. Each bloom introduces a distinct flavor profile, allowing chefs and home cooks alike to experiment with floral infusions in both sweet and savoury dishes.

Culinary Uses:

Salads:

Edible flowers add a pop of color and a refreshing taste to salads. Nasturtiums, with their peppery notes, can replace traditional greens, while pansies and violets lend a subtle sweetness.

Beverages:

Elevate your drinks by incorporating edible flowers into cocktails, mocktails, or even infused waters. Hibiscus, lavender, and chamomile make for exquisite additions, imparting a fragrant and visually appealing touch to your beverages.

Desserts:

From decorating cakes with crystallised violets to infusing ice creams with the delicate essence of rose petals, edible flowers bring a whimsical charm to desserts. Consider creating floral-infused syrups for drizzling over pastries or incorporating lavender into custards for a delightful twist.

Savoury Dishes:

Experiment with floral flavors in savory dishes by adding edible flowers to sauces, soups, or as a garnish for main courses. The unique taste of marigolds or chive blossoms can elevate the overall culinary experience.

Herbal Infusions:

Create aromatic teas by combining edible flowers like chamomile, lavender, or hibiscus with traditional tea leaves. These infusions offer a soothing and fragrant alternative to conventional herbal teas.

Aesthetics and Presentation:

Beyond their culinary contributions, edible flowers are renowned for their aesthetic appeal. Incorporating blossoms into your dishes not only adds a visual flair but also showcases a commitment to creativity and attention to detail. Imagine a salad adorned with vibrant pansies and nasturtiums, or a dessert garnished with delicate rose petals, the visual impact is undeniable.

Safety Considerations:

Before diving into the world of edible flowers, it's crucial to ensure that the blooms chosen are indeed edible and have not been treated with pesticides. It's advisable to source flowers from reputable suppliers, farmers' markets, or your own garden, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals.

As we explore the world of edible flowers, it becomes apparent that these blossoms offer more than just a visual spectacle. They introduce a kaleidoscope of flavors that can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. So, whether you're an adventurous chef or a home cook looking to add a touch of elegance to your meals, consider delving into the vibrant and fragrant world of edible flowers, a journey that promises to tantalise both the taste buds and the eyes.

Incidentally my wife makes some absolutely delicious scones using a variety of edible lavender, so using edible flowers in cooking is something we like to do. Hence this blogpost, sharing this idea with our readers. 

(Image courtesy of T Caesar from Pixabay)

Today is World Bee Day. Here's how we can all help the bees

Today, on World Bee Day, 20 May, we recognise the important and vital role that bees play in our environment.

Bees are responsible for pollinating many of the world's food crops, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are critical to our food supply.

Unfortunately, bees are facing numerous threats, such as habitat loss, disease, pesticide use, and climate change.

According to a United Nations report, over 40% of insect pollinators, including bees, are at risk of extinction in the next two decades.

Fortunately, there are simple steps that everyone can take to help save the bees.

“You don’t need a large garden to help your local bee population,” says Kelly Martin from gardening website Urban Garden Gal. 

“Grow some flowers in containers, plant a flowering tree or replace part of your lawn with clover to give bees a valuable source of food."

Bees are active from early spring until late autumn, so you should consider choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year.

Place some shallow dishes of water with rocks around your garden for thirsty bees to drink from.

Support local beekeepers by purchasing natural honey, beeswax and other bee products.

Avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilisers which can harm bees and other pollinators. Instead, try using natural pest control methods and organic fertilisers to keep your plants healthy and bee-friendly.

Not all bees are social creatures that live in hives. Many bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in crevices. Provide some nesting places like bee hotels or leave a small patch of bare soil in your garden for the bees to nest in.

Kelly adds, “Bees are crucial pollinators for our food supply, and by providing places for them to nest, we can help to ensure their survival and the health of our ecosystem.”

“There is no better way to show appreciation for these amazing creatures than by providing them with a safe place in which they can thrive.”

Top 5 Bee Friendly Plants

Lavender: Lavender is a popular choice among beekeepers and gardeners because it provides bees with a continuous source of nectar from late spring until summer.

Sunflowers: Sunflowers are another favourite of bees. Their large flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, and their bright yellow petals make them easy for bees to spot.

Coneflowers: These tall, colourful flowers are drought tolerant and attract a variety of pollinators including bees and butterflies.

Borage: Borage is a fast growing annual herb that produces an abundance of blue, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to bees.

Wildflowers: Planting a mix of wildflowers in your garden is a great way to provide bees with a diverse range of nectar and pollen sources. Bees are attracted to many different wildflowers, including poppies, clover, and cornflowers.

Garden Gardening Bees Environment Home Wildlife Flowers Nature Environment & Nature Home & Garden

You can visit Urban Garden Gal here:- https://urbangardengal.com

(Image courtesy of Myriams-Fotos and Pixabay)