Edible flowers – the taste of spring on your plate and in your cup!

Spring is the season of renewal and fresh beginnings when nature comes back to life, and we enjoy the first rays of sunshine and the crispness in the air. It's also an ideal time to rediscover the wealth of flavours and aromas that nature offers. One of the lesser-known yet fascinating elements are edible flowers. They can be used as decorations for desserts or even as ingredients in savoury dishes. In dried form, they perfectly complement infusions based on yerba mate or tea. In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at this colourful culinary trend, highlighting which flowers are edible, which plants have edible flowers, and where you can buy edible flowers to enjoy their taste and health benefits.

Summary:

1. Bring spring into your kitchen!
2. The history of edible flowers. Known since antiquity
3. Which plants have edible flowers? A guide to the most popular varieties
4. Properties of edible flowers – vitamins, minerals, and their health benefits
5. Edible flowers – what to watch out for?
6. Edible flowers – where to buy? A shopping guide

Bring spring into your kitchen!

Spring is a time when nature awakens, and we eagerly anticipate the first signs of its resurgence. Among these, flowers hold a special place, captivating us with their appearance and aroma. But did you know that the flowers blooming in your garden or balcony could also become extraordinary additions to dishes or springtime infusions? Colourful flower petals can be added to salads, used to decorate sweet treats with whipped cream and fruits, or even used to enhance delicious homemade popsicles. Dried edible flowers work wonderfully as ingredients in aromatic infusions – based on yerba mate, tea, or herbs. Yerba mate, known for its energising properties and rich composition, becomes not only a source of energy when combined with flowers but also a true feast for the senses! If you don’t believe it, you must try the truly spring-like, floral mate tea Verde Mate Green Flores. In today’s entry, we’ll attempt to answer the questions: which flowers are edible, is their consumption safe, and what should you pay attention to when purchasing?

The history of edible flowers. Known since antiquity

The fascination with edible flowers is not a new phenomenon. As early as antiquity, people discovered that flowers could be not only beautiful decorations but also tasty and healthy additions to dishes. The history of using flowers in cuisine is almost as old as civilisation itself!

Lotus flowers were not only sacred symbols in ancient Egypt but also ingredients in many dishes. Egyptians believed these flowers had medicinal properties and often used them in cooking. In Greece and Rome, flowers like violets and roses were used to flavour alcohol and various dishes. Romans particularly valued borage flowers, which they added to wine to boost soldiers’ bravery before battles.

In China, as early as 300 BCE, chrysanthemum flowers were used not just for decoration but also as an important dietary component. They were brewed into tea believed to have relaxing and strengthening effects. Similarly, in Japan, chrysanthemum flowers are considered symbols of longevity and happiness – they are also essential in cuisine. The Japanese add them to salads, soups, and other dishes, appreciating their delicate flavour and health benefits.

Closer to home, in medieval Europe, flowers such as marigolds, violets, and roses were commonly used in cooking. Marigolds were called "poor man's gold" – they were used to colour dishes yellow or golden as a cheaper alternative to expensive saffron. In Poland, for example, since the Middle Ages, it’s been popular to grind rose petals into jams. These were used as remedies for various ailments. Today, we can enjoy doughnuts filled with rose jam – who doesn’t love that sensual taste and aroma!

We should also mention the Aztecs, who used flowers to prepare exquisite dishes and beverages. One of the staples of their diet was squash flowers – today they are a fashionable and popular ingredient in modern cuisine.

The history of edible flowers shows that they have been valued for centuries, not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their taste and health benefits. Today, in an era of seeking natural and healthy ingredients, edible flowers are experiencing a renaissance, serving not only as beautiful decorations but also as valuable additions to various dishes.

Which plants have edible flowers? A guide to the most popular varieties

Exploring the world of edible flowers is a fascinating journey through flavours, colours, and aromas. Are you wondering, which flowers are edible? The list is long! It is estimated that flowers from about 80 different plant species can be safely eaten. Some of the most popular include golden marigolds, elegant and delicate roses, tiny but fragrant lavender flowers, sweet violets, pansies and cornflowers that enchant with their beautiful blue hue. In the world of edible flowers, there is something for everyone, whether you are looking for inspiration for exquisite desserts, aromatic infusions, or colourful and healthy salads. This invites experimentation, discovery, and the joy of every bite that brings a touch of beauty and nature’s magic! However, remember that before consuming any flowers, you must ensure they are safe and have not been treated with pesticides. Further in the text, you’ll find several aspects worth paying special attention to.

Properties of edible flowers – vitamins, minerals, and their health benefits

Although often seen as decorative elements in dishes, edible flowers are also valuable sources of nutrients and can have surprisingly positive effects on our health. Rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds, edible flowers can be a significant addition to a varied diet.

For example, calendula, popular for its bright golden petals, is a rich source of lutein – an antioxidant that supports eye health. Roses, another common edible flower, are a source of vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system and supports skin health by stimulating collagen production. Rose petals also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. Cornflower, with its distinctive blue petals, is valued not only for its appearance but also for its flavonoids – compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Additionally, cornflower may contribute to improved digestion and the relief of stomach problems. Lavender, known for its relaxing aroma, is also rich in essential oils that can have calming effects and support healthy sleep.

Edible flowers – what to watch out for?

When exploring the world of edible flowers, it’s important to exercise caution and awareness, both for health and environmental reasons. Here are a few key aspects to consider:

1. Source of the flowers. Ensure that flowers intended for consumption come from safe sources. Flowers meant for decorative purposes, purchased from florists, garden centres, or supermarkets, are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals that can be harmful. Always choose edible flowers from certified organic farms or ones you collect yourself from known and trusted locations – away from roads and areas prone to pollution.
2. Identifying species. Not all flowers are edible, and some can even be toxic! Before deciding to consume any flower, make sure it’s safe. Check which flowers are edible. Use reliable guides and resources to avoid mistakes that could have adverse health effects.
3. Parts of the flowers. Some flowers are only partially edible – for instance, the petals may be safe to eat, while other parts, such as stamens or stems, may be inedible or bitter. Always thoroughly check which plants have edible flowers and which parts are suitable for consumption.
4. Allergies. As with other dietary ingredients, edible flowers can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’re prone to allergies, exercise caution – introduce flowers into your diet gradually and monitor your body’s reactions.
5. Respecting the environment. When collecting flowers for consumption, remember to respect nature. Gather flowers sustainably, without damaging plant habitats. Collect a small amount of flowers in one place so they can regenerate. Avoid picking flowers from protected or endangered areas. Overharvesting wild-growing flowers can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce biodiversity.
6. Harvest timing. Another crucial aspect is the proper timing of harvests. Flowers are best picked in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun becomes too intense. This ensures the flowers retain the most aroma and nutrients. When harvesting flowers yourself, ensure they’re not wilted, show no signs of disease, and are free of insects. Wash fresh flowers before consumption and store them appropriately. You can also dry them to preserve their properties for longer.

Edible flowers – where to buy? A shopping guide

Are you wondering where to buy edible flowers to decorate and enrich the flavours of your dishes? They can be found in local herbal shops, health food stores, or online – through specialist e-commerce platforms. However, the key question is: edible flowers – which ones and where to buy to ensure the best quality? In this context, dried edible flowers seem to be the most optimal choice. First, they are more durable than fresh flowers, retaining their aroma and colour for a longer time. Thanks to the drying process, which is a natural preservation method, dried edible flowers retain their nutritional values, including vitamins and antioxidants, making them not only beautiful but also healthy additions to dishes. Moreover, they are convenient to use, as they can be added directly to meals, infusions, or desserts. In our shop, thanks to our collaboration with the Mary Rose brand, you’ll find a wide selection of dried edible flowers. These include dried petals of roses, marigolds, cornflowers, jasmine, lavender, and hibiscus – all of which are perfect as additions to yerba mate, guayusa, tea, as well as desserts and salads.

Edible flowers are a fantastic way to add colour and new flavours to your spring diet. Not only will they brighten up dishes, but they’ll also provide valuable nutrients. However, remember to only use flowers from safe sources and choose ones specifically intended for consumption. We invite you to experiment and explore the flavours that nature has to offer!

Sources of information:

1. Wikipedia: Edible Flower.
2. M. Śmiechowska, Factors Influencing the Attractiveness of Edible Flowers, Nauki Inżynierskie i Technologie, 2018.
3. A. Stefaniak, M. Grzeszczuk, Characteristics of Selected Ornamental Plant Species with Edible Flowers, Annales UMCS, 2015.