Edible flowers: 10 culinary flowers to grow in the garden

Edible flowers are flowers that can be safe for human consumption. Eating flowers has become a real culinary trend, however, this practice dates back to antiquity and the Middle Ages where it was often found on the menu. 

These edible flowers can be used in a similar way to spices and herbs to add flavor, color, and texture to dishes. They are a great way to add a unique and unexpected element to your cooking. We can also use them in a variety of dishes, such as salads, teas, cakes and desserts.

There are many types of edible flowers that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Here are the best and the easy to grow edible flowers.  

1- Nasturtiums as an edible flowers

Nasturtiums are herbaceous flowers native to South and Central America and known for their rich, saturated, jewel-toned colors. These flowers have a slightly peppery taste so we can use them in salads, sandwiches, and as a garnish for appetizers. You can also use the flowers to make a beautiful and tasty compound butter to spread on bread or to melt over vegetables.

2- Marigolds

Marigolds are beautiful flowers belonging to the Asteraceae family that come in many different colors. These ornamental flowers have a slightly citrusy and spicy flavor and can be used in salads, soups, and stews. They can also be used to make a beautiful and flavorful tea. In addition to their culinary uses, marigolds are often used in skincare products for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

3- Hibiscus as culinary flowers

Hibiscus is a perennial plant belonging to the Malvaceae family. The flowers have a tart and fruity flavor, and they are often used to make tea. Hibiscus tea is popular in many parts of the world and is known for its vibrant red color and health benefits. Moreover, it is a flower that has a lot of health benefits thanks to its high levels of antioxidants that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

4- Chamomile

Chamomile is a small, daisy-like flower belonging to the Asteraceae family. These culinary flowers have a sweet, floral, and slightly earthy flavor. They are often used to make a relaxing and soothing tea, which can help promote sleep and reduce stress. Chamomile can also be used in baked goods, such as cookies and cakes, to add a delicate floral flavor.

5- Borage

Borage is an annual herb with beautiful blue flowers belonging to the Boraginaceae family. You can use these edible flowers dried or fresh. They have a mild and refreshing cucumber-like flavor, with a slight sweetness and a hint of bitterness. They are often used to add color and flavor to salads, soups, and sauces. Borage flowers can also be used to make a fragrant and soothing tea, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, borage flowers are a popular ingredient in natural skincare products, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6- Roses as edible flowers

Roses are flowering plants that belong to the family Rosaceae. They come in a variety of colors and sizes. These flowers have a sweet and floral flavor and are often used to make rose water, which can be used in a variety of dishes, such as cakes, cookies, and cocktails. Rose petals can also be used to make a fragrant and flavorful tea or to add a beautiful and romantic touch to salads and desserts. Just make sure to use only the petals and remove the bitter white base of the flower.

7- Lavender

Lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. The flowers of this plant have a sweet, floral, and slightly herbaceous flavor. It is often used to make tea, which can help promote relaxation and reduce stress. These edible blossoms can also add a unique and unexpected flavor to baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and scones. Additionally, lavender can make a fragrant and calming essential oil, which is often used in aromatherapy.

8- Calendula as edible blossoms

Calendula is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the daisy family. The flowers of this plant have a slightly spicy and bitter flavor, with notes of tanginess and astringency. We can often use them to add color and flavor to salads, soups, and stews. Calendula petals can also be used to make a fragrant and soothing tea, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. Additionally, calendula is a popular ingredient in natural skincare products, such as creams, lotions, and balms, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

9- Viola 

Viola is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the violet family that are often grown for their attractive flowers. These flowers have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor, with notes of grassiness and a subtle peppery finish. They are also used to add color and flavor to salads, desserts, and cocktails. Viola petals can also be used to make a fragrant and refreshing tea, which can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, viola flowers are a popular ingredient in natural skincare products, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

10- Chives as edible flowers

Chives are a type of herb that belong to the onion family. Their flowers have a mild and slightly oniony flavor, with a hint of sweetness. We can often use them to add a pop of color and flavor to salads, soups, and stews. We can also use Chive flowers to make a fragrant and flavorful vinegar, and to dress salads or to add flavor to marinades and sauces. Additionally, chive flowers are a popular ingredient in herb-infused oils and butters.

So here are the best edible flowers at whole foods, edible flowers for garnish and edible flowers for cocktails. Just try some of them and you will be satisfied because cooking with flowers is a real delirium.