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.