Top 20 Edible Flowers
Did you know that some flowers are edible? And not just in the “they’re not poisonous” sort of way, but actually tasty? You can use them in salads, teas, garnishes, ice creams, etc.
The one trick is knowing which flowers are safe to to consume and which will leave you crying on your bathroom floor begging for a quick death–so, here’s my top 20 safe, edible, and mostly delicious flower choices:
- Nasturtium
- Angelica
- Anise Hyssop
- Bachelor’s Button *
- Bee Balm
- Calendula/Marigold
- Carnations
- Chamomile *
- Chervil
- Pansy
- Chysanthemum
- Clover
- Dandelion * {eating ’em puts a whole new spin on ‘weeding’}
- Fuchia
- Gladiolus *
- Hibiscus
- Impatiens
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lilac
“Only the petals of these composite flowers are edible. The pollen of composite flowers is highly allergenic and may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Sufferers of asthma, ragweed, and hayfever should not consume composite flowers, and may have extreme allergies to ingesting any flowers at all.” ~ Source HomeCooking/About.com
For more gardening tips, pop on over to my gardening page. It’s packed with all sorts of helpful information.
~Mavis
P.S. If you are thinking about incorporating edibles into your landscape, check out the book The Incredible Edible Landscape by Joy Bossi. It’s packed with information!
Erika says
My mother-in-law makes lavender ice cream, which is really yummy, but a little strange at the same time. It tastes just like it smells.
Kathy says
My sister has made lavender butter and yes, a bit strange. Tasted pretty good though.
Kathy says
Oh and don’t forget the chive flower. Use as a garnish and tastes pretty good! And dame’s rocket, day lilies, and squash blossoms.
Penelope says
I’ve never had dames’ rocket, but I do eat the other three. Love squash blossoms in a quesadilla with salsa verde!
Sakura says
Last year I made lavendar jelly by steeping it into a tea then using it for the jelly. Tastes like honey. Also the Nasturtium has a pod that we picked and pickled. Tastes like a caper.
April says
The flowers of many of the plants we consume are edible too but often forgotten. Garlic (when left to flower) and rosemary (at certain times of the year) both have slightly pungent small blue, purple or white flowers and are delicious sprinkled on soups or salads.
Cheers!
Bridget says
Mavis, you could add the dandelions you “weed” to your food totals. 😉 Every ounce helps right? 🙂
Mavis says
That is genius!
The Couch Potato says
I was just looking this sort of thing up the other day. 🙂 It’s good to have suggestions from you.
Ernie says
Cannot believe you forgot daylilies!!!