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Food and Drink, Health, Lifestyle, Recipe

42 Flowers You Can Eat And How You Can Eat Them

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In case you’ve ever wondered if the flowers that brighten our lives are edible, or possibly even tasty, here is a list of forty-two flowers you are welcome to nibble the petals off of.

Know your flower eating facts

Before we begin, here is a list of ways to avoid unintended harm to yourself if you do choose to experiment with flower garnishes, salads, teas, or endless other possibilities.

  • Only eat flowers you know are safe to consume and digest. If you are unsure then find the facts about the flower first.
  • Only eat flowers you have grown on your own. Any commercially grown flowers, roadside flowers, or even your neighbors flowers are likely to have pesticides or other harmful chemicals on them, which could be extremely risky to consume.
  • Unless known facts about a certain flower state otherwise, only eat the petals. Remove pistils, stamens, or anything else that is not one hundred percent petal.
  • If allergies are an issue for you then introduce different flowers to your body gradually in order to ensure they do not worsen any preexisting conditions.

…and now for the list:

allium

    1. Allium

    All flowers from the Allium family are edible with ranging tastes. Leeks, chives, garlic, and garlic chives vary from subtle flavors all the way to powerful garlic. An added bonus is the fact that every part of these plants is edible.

    angelica-apiaceae-detail-flower

      2. Angelica

      These flowers, which taste similar to licorice, have numerous varieties and color can range from the full blue to red spectrum.

      anise

        3. Anise hyssop

        Anise Hyssop is a lavender colored flower that also shares a hint of anise or licorice when tasted. Both flowers and leaves can be eaten.

        1aaarugflower

          4. Arugula

          This flower’s blossoms and leaves are also both edible and offer a distinct peppery flavor. They are commonly white and yellow with purple accentuation.

          Bachelor_Button

            5. Bachelor’s button

            These single petals have a grassy taste. Do avoid the calyx (the bottom surrounding of the petals keeping the blossom together) as it is bitter.

            bushy-basil-needs-pinched

              6. Basil

              We are all familiar with basil but the lavender flowers are edible to, only milder.

              bee balm

                7. Bee balm

                Bee balm, a member of the mint family, is a red flower that tastes exactly like its family name suggests.

                170 borage

                  8. Borage

                  This curious blue star-shaped flower tastes like cucumber.

                  Calendula-Pot-marigold-Flower-Wallpaper-1

                    9. Calendula / marigold

                    Calendula, better known as marigold, is an exciting choice for any recipe. Not only is the flavor peppery and tangy, but it also serves as a dashing golden garnish to any dish.

                    carnation

                      10. Dianthus / carnations

                      The petals of dianthus, better known as carnations, taste exactly like the perfumed smell your nose senses.

                      chamomile-flowers-summer-grass-herbs1st

                        11. Chamomile

                        A common tea theme, chamomile flowers are sweet and ideal for brewing. Beware, ragweed sufferers are commonly allergic to this flower.

                        chervyl

                          12. Chervil

                          These tiny, delicate blossoms carry a hint of anise, or licorice.

                          Chicory-Flower-10July2006-sown-14Feb

                            13. Chicory

                            Blue and brilliant to sight, the taste of chicory is best described as bitter and earthy. The petals and buds can both be eaten and or commonly pickled.

                            flower3

                              14. Chrysanthemum

                              “Mums” are considered bitter and come in the full range of colors available in the rainbow. They are edible but recommended in moderation as in the use of a garnish. For this particular plant use only the petals.

                              cilantro-flower1

                                15. Cilantro

                                Cilantro gets my vote for the best herb on Earth…and, in case you were not aware of the full potential of cilantro, the flowers share the same zesty taste. However, the flowers should be served fresh as they lose their flavor when heat is applied.

                                citrus

                                  16. Citrus

                                  These blossoms are extremely sweet and aromatic. While perfectly edible, use in moderation as too many will commandeer all the flavor from any particular dish.

                                  clover

                                    17. Clover

                                    Common clover blooms are quite edible and compliment your taste buds with a tinge of licorice.

                                    Dandelion_Flower_2

                                      18. Dandelion

                                      This one is a real gem! Every part of a dandelion from petals to roots can be eaten and the plant is fortified with vitamins, while low in calories. Look here for all the benefits dandelions have to offer.

                                      dill2

                                        19. Dill

                                        Dill flowers are yellow and taste nearly as strong as the herb’s leaves.

                                        english daisy

                                          20. English daisy

                                          This flower makes for an eye appealing garnish but the taste is quite bitter.

                                          fennel

                                            21. Fennel

                                            Yellow fennel flowers, much like the herb’s leaves, taste like licorice.

                                            Fuchsia-flower7

                                              22. Fuchsia

                                              These flowers are tangy and make a colorful garnish.

                                              Gladiolus-desktop-wallpaper

                                                23. Gladiolus

                                                Gladioli are bland but the petals are strong enough to be stuffed with something more flavorful.

                                                Purple Hibiscus Flowers Desktop Wallpapers (2)

                                                  24. Hibiscus

                                                  These flowers are best known for the tea they are brewed with. They have a deep cranberry flavor and it does not take many petals to reach the desired taste effect.

                                                  hollyhock

                                                    25. Hollyhock

                                                    Hollyhock blossoms are bland but are commonly used as eye catching garnishes.

                                                    impatiens-flower-wallpaper-wide-full-hd

                                                      26. Impatiens

                                                      Once again, very little flavor but a nice garnish.

                                                      Jasmine

                                                        27. Jasmine

                                                        These are extremely fragrant blossoms usually used in tea.

                                                        johnnyjumpup1

                                                          28. Johnny jump-up

                                                          Colorful and tasty, the flower petals have a hint of mint and are commonly used in salads, pastas, and drinks.

                                                          lavender

                                                            29. Lavender

                                                            Lavender is sweet and spicy and a welcome addition to many dishes and desserts.

                                                            lemon

                                                              30. Lemon verbena

                                                              These are commonly used for teas and desserts and taste exactly the way its name suggests.

                                                              The Lilac

                                                                31. Lilac

                                                                Lilac has a citrus aroma that tastes just the way it smells.

                                                                OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
                                                                  OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

                                                                  32. Mint

                                                                  Can you guess what these taste like? There are many varieties and a broad range of mint flavor among them.

                                                                  nasturtium_flowers

                                                                    33. Nasturtium

                                                                    This is one of the most popular edible flowers available. They are as colorful as they are tasty with a mix of sweet and spicy. The flowers can be stuffed, added to salads, and the buds can be pickled like capers. Here is some more information on nasturtium.

                                                                    oregano

                                                                      34. Oregano

                                                                      One of the most used herbs in kitchens across the world, the flowers are a diluted version of the leaves.

                                                                      flower7

                                                                        35. Pansy

                                                                        The petal’s taste is bland, but eating many petals at a time make the taste more noticeable.

                                                                        radish-flowers-purple

                                                                          36. Radish

                                                                          Radish flowers vary in color and share a similar peppery taste to the radish itself.

                                                                          Small_Red_Rose

                                                                            37. Rose

                                                                            Rose petals have a strong, perfumed taste and are commonly found floating in drinks are scattered atop desserts. All roses are edible and flavor intensifies with the darkness of the rose.

                                                                            rosemary-7560

                                                                              38. Rosemary

                                                                              The flower taste like a subtle version of the common herb’s leaves.

                                                                              texas-purple-sage-bush

                                                                                39. Sage

                                                                                Once again, the flowers favor the herb’s leaves.

                                                                                07_10_PumpkinBlssm

                                                                                  40. Squash and pumpkin

                                                                                  These blossoms are an excellent choice for stuffing. However, be sure to remove the stamens first.

                                                                                  SONY DSC
                                                                                    SONY DSC

                                                                                    41. Sunflower

                                                                                    These petals can be eaten and the bud can even be steamed similar to an artichoke.

                                                                                    violets

                                                                                      42. Violets

                                                                                      This is another commonly used flower for eating and garnishes. They are most often found in salads, desserts, and drinks.

                                                                                      Featured photo credit: Cooking with Flowers via libaliano.com

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