Edible Flowers Presentation
September 2023
Where to find Edible Flowers near you.
Your own garden: If you are serious about decorating with edible flowers, the best place to get them is from your own organic edible flower garden. Now, I know not everyone has the time and space for an outdoor or even container garden. So, you can do what I do (now that we're living in the Middle East and there is no way I can grow flowers outdoors) and use an indoor garden system. This is how I grow my own lavender, pansies, and more. So - rule of thumb, the very best place to get fresh edible flowers is from your own garden. When I haven't been able to grow my own I've found it expensive to source the amount I need. For a one time project, keep reading.
Organic farmers: The next best place is to source them from organic farmers. In every country I've lived in I've been able to find someone who grows organic flowers for consumption. They may be very seasonal, so keep reading to learn how to preserve your flowers and make them last as long as you need. But, it's very likely you can find someone who is already growing them.
Farmers market: The farmers market will often have edible flowers due to their increased popularity. Before certain crops grow, they produce flowers - like squash blossoms, or cucumber flowers. And if you don't see any, ask the vendors. Maybe they'll bring some for you next time!
Grocery stores: During spring, you will likely see them in your the produce section of your local grocery stores. What I do is buy more than I think I'll need, preserve them. The best way to do is is to and make pressed flowers to preserve them so I can still use their natural beauty when they're no long in season. Sprouts and Whole Foods market has sold edible flowers in their produce section.
A local nursery: however you'd have to look for organic plants with edible flowers, these are the ones safe for consumption.
Online sites: If you live in the United States, there are several websites dedicated to selling organic flowers.
Best Flowers to EAT
Borage, nasturtium, violas, dahlias, geraniums, marigolds, fuchsia, orchids, dianthus, & calendulas
Rose, pansy, violet, Johnny-jump-up, daisies, calendula, chive, sage, sorrel, & squash
Magnolia, clover, cornflower, hollyhock, lilac, lavender, dandelion, tulip, primrose
& pea
SAFTEY TIPS
A little knowledge goes a long way towards ensuring your health and that of others, so make sure to read through these important precautions before consuming any type of edible flower.
Not all flowers are edible. Even simply garnishing a dish with a flower that is not edible can make you very ill. Be sure you have properly identified your plant before consuming. If you are foraging in nature, use a plant identification app, which helps people identify harmful vs harmless plant species so they don't get sick from trying new things while hiking through nature. Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers.
Most store bought flowers are not safe for consumption. The type of flowers you plan to use for food should never come in contact with pesticides or other chemicals. The best edible flowers are ones you grow organically in your garden. The exception is the very seasonal food grade flowers sold in your local grocery store, more on this below.
Never harvest flowers growing by the roadside, chemically treated lawns, or areas with lots of animals.
If you haven't tried a particular flower in culinary uses, taste a small piece of the petal before consuming a whole petal. You can be allergic to flowers. Use flowers sparingly in your recipes due to the digestive complications that can occur with a large consumption rate.
Important to remove any parts that may be unsafe for consumption, such as the pistils and stamen.
Beware of allergic reaction like any food or environmental exposure. If you are allergies to ragweed most likely Chamomile will also irritate your senses.
BENIFITS
Each flower comes with its own flavor profile and nutritional benefit.
Mount Sinai hospital says that calendula is often used topically, improving skin hydration and increasing blood flow and oxygen to help wounds heal. Marigolds taste is quite bitter. It’s use aids in digestion, circulation, and shin issues.
Camomile is great for skin, eye inflammation, conjunctivitis and helps reduce fevers.
Violets are full of vitamin C and nutrients are indicated for eczema and skin conditions, soothing both internally and externally.
“Bhavprakash Nighantu, Ayurveda’s Materia Medica [history of remedies], shares the significance of groups of flowers under the Pushpa Varga,” says Nikhita Shere, an Ayurvedic practitioner in Mumbai, India. “Every herb has different attributes, with the seeds, stems, leaves, flowers, roots and bark having varied properties.”
Roses are prescribed to heal heat-related disorders such as acne and rashes, and digestive issues such as constipation and hyperacidity.
Lotus petals helps to treat fever, urinary infections and dysentery.
Nettle and jasmine flower tea for antioxidants.
Rosehip flower pod in a tisane (herbal infusion). It is a rich source of vitamin A and has EFAs [essential fatty acids] that fight free radicals, ultraviolet sun damage and give a brighter, clearer complexion.
Lavender contains over 100 known compounds, including phytochemicals and antioxidants. The most well-known of these compounds is limonene, which stimulates digestive enzymes in the liver and may help to detoxify the body of carcinogens. Lavender is also reputed for its calming effects.
EDIBLE FLOWER SOURCES
Suggestions for attaining your edible adventure
Gourmet Sweet Botanicals sells high quality Edible Flowers and specialty items and ships direct to your door! These products are harvested, packed and shipped the same day from the farm to ensure the utmost in color, freshness & flavor. They ship nationwide and to Canada using FedEx and UPS overnight services.
Melissa’s Edible flowers complement many dishes, adding glamour and pure elegance. Varieties of edible flowers may include: Carnations, Hollyhocks, Daisies, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Chrysanthemums, Chicory, Cornflower, Lavender, Snapdragon, Violets and Pansies. Few of the edible flowers have a lot of flavor; they are primarily added for color, design and aesthetic value
Botanical Interests https://www.botanicalinterests.com/products/edible-flowers-collection
West Coast Seeds https://www.westcoastseeds.com/blogs/wcs-academy/list-of-edible-flowers
Amazon Mostly dried, a few fresh flowers.
Camellia Estate dried source. https://www.camelliaestate.com
The document below is the presentation with pictures.
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