edible flowers, part 1

-- Quote of the Day -- 

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, 

to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly."

 ~Henri Bergson

 -- Flowers - as Food, Part 1 -- 

Today's article is a bit large, so I split it in 2 parts, the 2nd half will be published on the 25th of this month... and was written by: Crazyflorist is an online florist in Delhi which provide fresh flowers with wide range of variety.They also offer a an online flower portal to send flowers online anywhere in Delhi, India.


Many fine dining restaurants make the use of flowers to enhance the flavors and textures of the food they offer. Flowers can be added to main dishes, desserts or salads for an exciting twist or can be used as a garnish. There are many beverages which infused with flowers. Flowers can also be used for making spreads and preserves, marinades and dressings, to cakes and puddings, appetizers and starters- the options are endless. All you need is some imagination and creativity.

However, it is also important to keep in mind that not all flowers are edible. So make sure that you depend on some reliable source when choosing flowers to consume. If possible, try to grow your own edible flowers. To ensure best flavor, choose fresh flowers and avoid the wilted ones. Also, flower buds can be bitter, so are better left alone. Some flowers can be eaten whole, except for bitter parts like stems and stamens.

If you suffer from any allergies, add flowers to your diet gradually as too much of them can aggravate your condition. Avoid eating flowers plucked from public parks or even from the florist as they could carry traces of pesticides or herbicides.

Keeping flowers wrapped in moist paper towels and refrigerating them will help them stay fresh longer. Read further to know some more about some flowers which can be eaten safely.

Violets
Violets make for a beautiful garnish for desserts and drinks and impart a sweet and floral aroma.

Sunflower
You can steam the bud as you would steam an artichoke and can eat the petals also.
Squash and pumpkin flowers
Make use of blossoms as stuffing as they also have a squash-like flavor. Stamens must be removed before consuming.
 
Sage blossoms
The flavor is same as the leaves of the herb.

Rosemary
The flowers taste the same as the herb, only slightly milder. For dishes that consist of rosemary, flowers can make a good garnish.

Rose
After removing the base, you get strong aroma and flavor containing petals. Float them on drinks or scatter on desserts or integrate them in jams. The darker roses have more flavor compared to lighter ones. All roses are edible.

Radish flowers
For a peppery touch, radish flowers are the perfect option.

Oregano
Oregano flowers have the same taste as the herb, just slightly subtler.

Nasturtium
Among the more popular edible flowers, nasturtiums are bright in color as well as flavor. The sweet-at-first flavor gives way to a peppery flavor towards the end and the seed pod is particularly flavorful, an interesting blend of sweet and spicy. The flowers can be stuffed, leaves can be added to salads, buds can be pickled and petals can be used as garnish.

Lilac
The lilac blooms may smell and taste somewhat pungent, but lend a fresh citrusy aroma to any dish.

Lemon Berbena
These blossoms make great companions for teas and desserts.

Lavender
Sweetly perfumed with a sweet and spicy flavor, lavender flowers can be added to sweet or savory delicacies.

Johnny Jump-up
These are delicious flowers and make a great addition to pastas, salads and fruit-based drinks and desserts.

Jasmine
Jasmine tea is quite popular. These flowers have a strong scent and should be used sparingly for sweet dishes.

Hollyhock
Though they taste bland, hollyhock flowers make for a pretty garnish and are edible as well.

Flowers are a natural resources to feed soul. 

Find Dave and Lillian Brummet, excerpts from their books, their radio program, blog, and more at: http://brummet.ca * Support the Brummets by telling your friends, clicking those social networking buttons, or visiting the Brummet's Store - and help raise funds for charity as well!