Are you one of those who love to experiment with your food? Then you must have thought about adding flowers to your meals. Did you know that adding dried edible flowers to your meal can give you not only a unique taste but also an appealing look?
Not only are these flowers pretty, but they also come with a lot of health benefits! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just love to experiment in the kitchen, edible dried flowers can help improve your cooking skills.
In this post, we will take a look at a few edible dried flowers and how they can be used in various recipes, desserts, and drinks. So without any further delay let’s get started.
What Does Edible Dried Flowers Taste Like?
Dried edible flowers come in a variety of tastes, some are very familiar whereas some are hard to detect. If we look at Nasturtium flowers, they have a spicy taste and can be used to season foods. The experience of eating edible dried flowers can be highly subjective, particularly for lucky tasters who can detect subtle flavor differences that others may miss. Comparing notes with their peers might transform this exam into an engaging and enjoyable experience rather than a tiresome conversation.
Things to Know Before Buying Dried Edible Flowers for Your Kitchen
- Sources and growing conditions: Be sure to research the growth of the plant. Avoid pesticide-treated flowers, as ingestion of these chemicals can be harmful.
- Buying from reputable vendors: Do not use flowers from wholesalers, florists or garden centers. These are often treated with pesticides, fungicides, and insecticides, making them safe to cook. Choose flowers that are labeled organic, edible and safe to eat.
- Pollen Allergies: Be mindful of pollen allergies. Even a small amount of pollen can cause severe acne. Tell guests about edible flowers in jars or drinks to avoid any health problems.
- Precautions for Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid eating edible flowers and other plant products that may pose risks. Always consider the health and safety of your guests.
- Quality and Safety: When using edible dried flowers, make sure they are fresh and free of mold or small insects. If you pick and dry the flowers yourself, harvest from a clean, contaminated source and avoid using chemicals in your garden.
Top Choices for Edible Flowers and How to Use Them
1. Lavender
With sweet and slightly bitter flowers, lavender is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. In desserts, it can enhance tarts, sorbets, cupcakes, caramel sauce, and cheesecakes with its distinctive aroma. Lavender is also a popular addition to drinks, such as soothing lavender teas, refreshing iced teas, lemonades, and specialty cocktails.
For savory cooking, lavender pairs well with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and thyme, and can be used to sauté meats such as chicken, lamb, lard, and lard to avoid an overly sweet or soapy taste, mix the syrup shortly before adding lavender in your recipes. In addition, lavender should be stored in an airtight container to stay fresh throughout the year.
2. Rose petals and buds
Rose petals are very much liked across eastern countries because of their delicate taste and musky aroma . It is used in desserts such as panna cotta, cakes, brownies, jellies, ice cream and fruit salad. Adding crushed rose petals to cookie dough or batter can add a floral touch to your bakery products.
Rose petals enhance drinks like iced tea, lemonade and cocktails, and can then be added to create a soothing rose. In savory dishes, rose petals combine well with spices like cinnamon, turmeric and cumin seeds, it can add a distinct flavor to meats like chicken, lamb etc. There is also an unexpected but fun addition to salads. Store roses in sealed glass jars out of sunlight which will preserve their color and flavor for up to three years.
3. Chamomile
Sweet and mild, chamomile is a favorite in relaxing teas and infusions. Apart from tea, chamomile can be used in a variety of foods such as ice cream, homemade desserts, jams, and jellies.
It can be added to drinks and homemade wines. Creative chefs have found ways to incorporate chamomile into savory dishes, dressings, risottos and salads, where its mild sweetness adds gentle, sweet notes Chamomile is fresh and delicate , for storage in metal glass jars for up to a year
4. Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are known for their sharp, bitter flavors that evoke cranberries, and are a hot staple in many dishes. The tea has many benefits, including a rich red-orange color and sweet flavor. Hibiscus tea can be drunk hot or cold, adding honey and sweetness to make it more relaxing.
The flowers can be added to cocktails, lemonade and boba tea. Hibiscus gives pavlova, panna cotta, rice pudding and tarts a unique taste. Hibiscus can be used in sauces, marinades, salads, pastas, quesadillas, tacos, and other Mexican dishes. Store dried hibiscus in a cool, dry place to preserve its bright color and flavor.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing with their vivid colors but also tasty, with a peppery flavour akin to radishes. They are ideal for bringing color and flavor to simple garden salads. Nasturtiums can be combined with butter or mayonnaise to provide a spicy touch, or the whole blooms can be filled with cream cheese, garlic, and chives and chilled for a tasty appetizers.
Additionally, nasturtium seeds can be pickled as a smart substitute for capers. When planting nasturtium seeds, soak them first to promote optimal germination, then place them in a sunny location for the best results.
Other Uses of Dried Flowers Apart From Cooking
- Home Decor: Dried flowers like Billy Button and Misty can enhance your home by bringing nature into it. They add color and elegance to any space, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
- Natural Fragrance: Dried lavender not only adds a pleasant scent to your home but also helps repel insects. Keep clothes and sheets smelling fresh and free of pests in drawers or closets.
- Event Decorations: Perfect for weddings, corporate events, or house parties, dried flowers are long-lasting and elegant arrangements that remain fresh throughout the event. They eliminate drying concerns and ensure your cosmetics stay clean.
- Crafts and DIY Projects: Dried flowers are great for a variety of crafts, like making potpourri, flowers, or bouquets. They offer endless creative possibilities for unique individuals and projects.
- Gifts and souvenirs: Use dried flowers to make memorable gifts or souvenirs, such as framed floral photos, decorative bookmarks, or handmade cards. These considerations can add a fun and personal touch to any event.
Conclusion
In conclusion, utilizing edible dried flowers in the kitchen is a fun and creative approach to improving your food. They provide a diverse choice of flavors and colors, including desserts, drinks, and desserts. Lavender, rose petals, chamomile, hibiscus, and many more dried flowers have intriguing uses. So, the next time, try adding some edible dried flowers and see how they transform an ordinary meal into something spectacular. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can edible dried flowers be used in sweet and savory dishes?
Dried edible flowers can be a versatile and delicious snack. Lavender roses, for example, are good in desserts, while nasturtiums add sweet peppers to salads. Hibiscus is great in beverages, and chamomile can be used in teas and desserts.
How do I know if my dried flowers are in condition to be eaten?
Dried flowers should be discarded if there is a loss of color, damp smell, or signs of mold. They usually last about a year if stored properly. If you notice any changes in their appearance, smell, or taste, you should replace them.
How are dried edible flowers preserved for freshness?
Store dried edible flowers in airtight containers, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Glass or metal showers are best. When stored properly, edible dried flowers can retain their flavor and color for up to a year or more.