50 Flowers You Can Eat: Edible Flower List

Welcome to the colourful world of edible flowers! 🌸✨ We’re diving into the delightful realm of floral flavours and culinary creativity. From peppery arugula blossoms to sweet and tangy marigolds, there’s a cornucopia of petals waiting to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dishes to new heights.

Join us as we embark on a vibrant journey through 50 edible flowers that will inspire your kitchen adventures and add a touch of floral magic to your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a budding culinary enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

So grab your apron, gather your gardening gloves, and let’s explore the wonderful world of edible blooms together! It’s time to taste the rainbow… one petal at a time.

Edible Flower List

1. Allium: From leeks to chives, allium blossoms offer a range of flavours, from delicate to robust.
2. Angelica: With a licorice-like flavour, angelica flowers come in various shades of lavender-blue.
3. Anise Hyssop: Both flowers and leaves carry a subtle anise or licorice flavour.
4. Arugula: Peppery arugula blossoms range from white to yellow with dark purple streaks.
5. Bachelor’s Button: Edible petals offer a grassy flavour, while the calyx should be avoided due to bitterness.
6. Banana Blossoms: Similar to jackfruit or tofu, the flavour of banana blossoms is neutral.
7. Basil: Blossoms, available in white, pink, and lavender, boast a milder version of basil’s signature flavour.
8. Bee Balm: Red flowers provide a minty taste.
9. Borage: Blue blossoms taste like cucumber.
10. Calendula/Marigold: Peppery, tangy, and spicy, with a vibrant golden hue.
11. Carnations/Dianthus: Sweet petals with a perfumed aroma.
12. Chamomile: Sweet flowers often used in tea.
13. Chervil: Delicate blossoms with an anise-tinged flavour.
14. Chicory: Petals and buds offer a mildly bitter earthiness.
15. Chrysanthemum: With flavours ranging from peppery to pungent, petals come in various colours.
16. Cilantro: Grassy flavour shared by both leaves and blossoms.
17. Citrus (Orange, Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Kumquat): Sweet and highly scented blossoms, best used sparingly.
18. Clover: Sweet with a hint of licorice.
19. Dandelion: Bitter, earthy taste perfect for salads.
20. Daylily: Delicate, slightly sweet petals ideal for salads and stir-fries.
21. Dill: Yellow flowers taste similar to the herb’s leaves.
22. Elderflower: Fragrant, floral blossoms used to make syrups, cordials, and desserts.
23. English Daisy: Though somewhat bitter, petals make a beautiful garnish.
24. Fennel: Yellow flowers offer a subtle licorice flavour.
25. Fuchsia: Tangy flowers add a colourful garnish.
26. Gladiolus: Bland flowers can be stuffed or used as a salad garnish.
27. Hibiscus: Tart cranberry flavour ideal for tea.
28. Hollyhock: Bland and vegetal, but visually appealing.
29. Honeysuckle: Sweet, nectar-filled flowers perfect for snacking or infusing into beverages.
30. Impatiens: Best used for garnish or candying.
31. Jasmine: Super-fragrant blooms perfect for tea and sweet dishes.
32. Johnny Jump-Up: Subtly minty flowers great for salads and drinks.
33. Lavender: Sweet, spicy, and perfumed blossoms enhance both savoury and sweet dishes.
34. Lemon Blossoms: Fragrant flowers with a citrusy flavour, ideal for flavouring desserts and teas.
35. Lemon Verbena: Off-white flowers redolent of lemon, ideal for teas and desserts.
36. Lilac: Pungent blooms with a floral citrusy aroma.
37. Mint: Minty flowers with varying intensities.
38. Nasturtium: Bursting with a sweet, floral flavour and spicy pepper finish.
39. Nasturtium Pods: After the flowers fade, the pods can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.
40. Oregano: Subtle flowers offer a delicate version of the leaf’s flavour.
41. Pansy: Petals are somewhat nondescript, but whole flowers provide more taste.
42. Pineapple Sage: Vibrant red flowers with a pineapple-like flavour, perfect for garnishing desserts and drinks.
43. Radish: Peppery blossoms available in varying colours.
44. Rose: Perfumed petals ideal for drinks, desserts, and jams.
45. Rose Hips: In addition to the petals, rose hips (the fruit of the rose plant) can be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups.
46. Rosemary: Mild flowers perfect for garnishing dishes.
47. Sage: Subtle blossoms with a flavour similar to the leaves.
48. Squash and Pumpkin: Wonderful for stuffing, offering a slight squash flavour.
49. Sunflower: Petals and buds can be eaten, providing a mild flavour.
50. Violets: Floral, sweet flowers perfect for salads, desserts, and drinks.

These additional flowers offer unique flavours and can add variety to your culinary creations. As always, ensure that any flowers you plan to eat are free from pesticides and other chemicals. Enjoy exploring the world of edible flowers!

Health Benefits of Edible Flowers:

• Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses: Many edible flowers are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, offering a nutritious boost to your meals.
• Digestive Aid: Certain flowers, like chamomile and calendula, have soothing properties that can aid digestion and promote gut health.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Some flowers, such as lavender and hibiscus, contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Enhanced Flavour and Aroma: Adding edible flowers to your dishes not only provides visual appeal but also imparts unique flavours and aromas that can elevate your culinary creations.

Groups of Edible Flowers:

1. Herbaceous Delights: Flowers from herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro add fresh, aromatic flavours to dishes.
2. Floral Citrus Burst: Edible flowers with citrusy notes, such as citrus blossoms and lemon verbena, lend a bright and zesty flavour profile.
3. Peppery Petals: Blossoms like arugula, nasturtium, and radish offer a peppery kick that adds depth and complexity to salads and savory dishes.
4. Sweet and Subtle: Delicate blooms such as violet, lilac, and pansy impart subtle floral sweetness to desserts and beverages.

Creative Recipe Ideas

Discover the endless culinary possibilities with edible flowers by incorporating them into a variety of delightful recipes. From vibrant salads to decadent desserts, these creative dishes will elevate your cooking and add a touch of floral elegance to your meals. Here are some inspiring recipe ideas to ignite your culinary imagination:

1. Floral Salad with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Create a colourful salad featuring a medley of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, and edible flowers. Toss in fragrant herbs like basil and mint for an extra burst of flavour. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
2. Lavender-infused Lemonade: Add a hint of floral sweetness to classic lemonade by infusing it with delicate lavender blossoms. Simply steep dried lavender buds in hot water, then mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice and a touch of honey or agave syrup. Serve over ice for a refreshing summer beverage.
3. Nasturtium Pesto Pasta: Elevate traditional pesto pasta with the peppery notes of nasturtium flowers. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts (or any other nut or seed), garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth, then stir in chopped nasturtium petals for a vibrant pop of colour and flavour. Toss with cooked pasta and garnish with additional flowers for a stunning presentation.
4. Rose Petal Jam: Transform fragrant rose petals into a luscious jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast or scones. Simmer fresh rose petals with sugar and lemon juice until thickened, then transfer to sterilized jars for storage. Enjoy this floral delicacy as a sweet topping for breakfast or afternoon tea.
5. Chamomile-infused Honey Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy Greek yogurt with chamomile-infused honey, granola, and fresh fruit for a wholesome and satisfying parfait. The subtle floral notes of chamomile add a delicate sweetness to this nourishing breakfast or dessert option.
6. Hibiscus Flower Sorbet: Indulge in a refreshing sorbet infused with the tart and tangy flavour of hibiscus flowers. Steep dried hibiscus petals in hot water to make a vibrant floral tea, then mix with simple syrup and freeze until firm. Serve scoops of this vibrant sorbet as a refreshing palate cleanser or dessert option.
7. Elderflower Cordial: Craft a refreshing and floral elderflower cordial that captures the essence of summer. Harvest delicate elderflower blossoms and infuse them with sugar, lemon zest, and citric acid to create a sweet and tangy syrup. Dilute with sparkling water for a thirst-quenching beverage or mix with gin and tonic for a botanical twist on a classic cocktail. Enjoy the light and floral flavours of elderflower in this versatile cordial.
8. Hibiscus Flower Tea: Savour the vibrant flavours of hibiscus flowers in a fragrant and refreshing tea. Steep hibiscus petals in hot water to create a rich crimson infusion with a tart and tangy taste. Enjoy this floral tea hot or chilled, sweetened with a touch of honey or agave syrup. Hibiscus flower tea is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants and nutrients, making it a healthy and hydrating beverage choice.
9. Dianthus Simple Syrup: Elevate your cocktails and desserts with the delicate floral notes of dianthus simple syrup. Combine fresh dianthus blossoms with sugar and water in a saucepan, simmer until the sugar is dissolved, then strain to remove the petals. The resulting syrup is subtly sweet with a hint of floral fragrance, perfect for flavouring cocktails, lemonades, and desserts. Add a touch of elegance to your culinary creations with this homemade dianthus simple syrup.

Get creative in the kitchen and let your imagination blossom with these enticing recipe ideas featuring edible flowers. Whether you’re hosting a garden party or simply enjoying a meal at home, these floral-inspired dishes are sure to delight your senses and impress your guests.

Culinary Tips and Tricks:

1. Harvesting Edible Flowers: When harvesting edible flowers, choose blooms that are fully open and free from pesticides or other chemicals. Harvest flowers in the morning when their flavours are most concentrated, and gently rinse them with cold water before use.
2. Flavour Pairings: Experiment with different flavour pairings to enhance the taste of edible flowers. Pair delicate flowers like chamomile and violets with light and subtle ingredients, while bold blooms like nasturtiums and roses complement rich and savory dishes.
3. Garnishing Techniques: Use edible flowers as garnishes to add colour and visual appeal to your dishes. Arrange petals or whole flowers on salads, desserts, and cocktails for an elegant finishing touch.
4. Preserving Edible Flowers: Extend the shelf life of edible flowers by preserving them through drying or candying. Dried flowers can be stored in airtight containers and used in teas, while candied flowers make beautiful decorations for cakes and pastries.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

1. Ancient Traditions: The use of edible flowers in culinary practices dates back thousands of years, with evidence of flower consumption found in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Rome, and China.
2. Symbolism and Rituals: Flowers have held symbolic significance in various cultures throughout history, often representing love, purity, and spirituality. In many traditions, flowers are used in rituals, ceremonies, and celebrations to honor deities or mark significant life events.
3. Medicinal Uses: In addition to their culinary uses, many edible flowers have been used for their medicinal properties in traditional healing practices. Flowers like calendula and lavender are believed to have soothing and healing properties when brewed into teas or applied topically.
4. Cultural Cuisine: Edible flowers continue to play a significant role in the culinary traditions of cultures around the world. From French cuisine to Thai cooking, edible flowers are used to add flavour, fragrance, and visual appeal to a wide range of dishes.
5. Modern Renaissance: In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in edible flowers among chefs, home cooks, and mixologists. As people rediscover the beauty and versatility of edible blooms, they are incorporating them into their culinary creations in innovative and creative ways.