Edible flowers are far from just decorative and tasty. They’re one of the easiest ways to add color, flavor, and even nutrition to food without adding extra work to your prep or cooking time.
However, If you’re looking to incorporate more flowers into your diet, these different types of edible flowers should be on your list to try!
From delicate pansies to fiery chiles, here are other edible flowers you can eat (and how to cook with them).
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are among the most popular edible flowers. They taste slightly bitter and can be used in salads or as garnish.
Marigolds are also known for their healing properties as different edible flowers and can be used to make tea.
In contrast, To dry marigolds, hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Once they are scorched, store them in an airtight container.
Marigold petals should not be eaten raw because they contain traces of oxalic acid that can cause stomach irritation if consumed in large quantities.
2. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are among the most popular edible flowers, and for good reason. Their peppery flavor works well in salads, sandwiches, and garnishes.
You can also use them to make a colorful pesto or infused vinegar. When choosing different edible flowers and nasturtiums, look for brightly colored blooms without any brown spots.
In addition, Avoid any that look wilted or have yellowing leaves, as these will be past their prime.
For best results, pick them from your garden just before they go to seed so they don’t spread all over your yard.
So, pick just the flower petals and avoid eating the white pistils at the center, which may contain harmful toxins.
If you are using store-bought nasturtiums, wash them thoroughly before use to remove any dirt or chemicals that may have been used on them during production.
3. HoneySuckle
Honeysuckle is a delicate and fragrant flower that can add flavor and sweetness to savory and sweet dishes with different edible flowers.
At the same time, the blossoms are typically used. The leaves can also be eaten.
To remove the honeysuckle from the vine of the selected types of edible flowers, twist the stem until it snaps.
Moreover, Once picked, store the honeysuckle in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it. When cooking with honeysuckle, remove pistils or stamens from the center of the flower.
These parts are edible but can be bitter. Place some blossoms in a sugar jar overnight to infuse honeysuckle into sugar. The sugar will absorb the floral flavor and scent of the honeysuckle.
4. Dandelions
Dandelions are one of the most common edible flowers used in various dishes. You can add the petals to salads for a pop of color or fry them up and use them as a garnish. The leaves are also edible and a great addition to soup or stir-fry.
Nevertheless, If you want to get adventurous with different edible flowers, you can try making dandelion wine! All you need is a gallon jar, 2 pounds of sugar, 1 gallon of water, juice from 2 lemons, and 2 pounds of raisins.
First, pack your jar with washed, fresh dandelion blossoms. Then, cover them up with sugar until all the gaps are filled.
5. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular edible flowers, and it’s easy to see why. The delicate petals add beautiful lavender color to any dish, and the flavor is floral and slightly sweet.
To use lavender in cooking, add it to sugar or salt to make a lavender-infused seasoning. Then, try using it in baked goods like cookies, cakes, or even pancakes.
You can also add lavender to savory dishes like roasted vegetables or chicken. Just be sure not to add too much, as the flavor can be overwhelming.
6. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a common ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine. It can be used in salads, as a tea, or even as a garnish. Hibiscus has a slightly sour taste and is high in Vitamin C.
To use hibiscus in cooking, try adding it to stews or curries. You can also use candied hibiscus for a sweet treat.
7. Pansy
Pansies are one of the most popular edible flowers, and for a good reason. They have a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs well with savory and sweet dishes for different types of edible flowers.
While they’re often used as a garnish, pansies can also be used in salads, soups, and baked goods. To use them in cooking, rinse the pansies and remove the stems. Then, add them to your dish just before serving.
8. Roses
Though you may not have thought of roses as edible, they can be used in various dishes. Rose petals can add flavor and color to salads, soups, and desserts.
In contrast, when using roses in cooking, remove the petals from the flower and wash them thoroughly. Then, add them to your dish as desired.
9. Chamomile
Chamomile has a sweet, slightly apple-like flavor and can be used in sweet or savory dishes. To use chamomile in cooking, first steep the flower heads in boiling water for 10 minutes to make a tea.
More so, strain the tea and use it in place of water in any recipe for different types of edible flowers. Chamomile is also lovely sprinkled over salads or used as a garnish.
10. Sage Flower
Sage flowers have a peppery, tangy flavor that perfectly complements many dishes. They can be used as a garnish or added to salads, or they can be used in place of herbs in any recipe for different types of edible flowers.
Try sautéing sage flowers in olive oil before using them in your dish to bring out their flavor. You can also chop the flowers and use them like fresh herbs.
11. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are one of the most popular different types of edible flowers. They have a slightly sweet taste and can be used in various dishes. You can add sunflower petals to salads, use them as a garnish on main dishes, or even bake with them.
However, If you’re feeling adventurous, try making sunflower wine. To do this, follow these steps:
- For the best flavor, harvest at least two cups of fully open flower heads from day-old plants grown in full sun.
- Remove all green leaves and stems before laying flower heads out on paper towels to dry for four days. Spread them out so they don’t touch each other while drying. Cover loosely with cheesecloth if necessary.
- Gather dry flower heads into tight bundles; wrap tightly with string or thread and hang upside down over a bucket overnight. Until they are dehydrated (this may take up to three days).
12. Sunflower Seeds
Did you know that sunflower seeds are different types of edible flowers? Sources from the center of the flower taste great, raw or roasted.
Still, it is best to remove the seed coat first by scoring it with a sharp knife and prying it off. If desired, you could add salt for extra flavor.
