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Edible Flowers

EDIBLE FLOWERS!
Flowers that are both beautiful and delicious!
Edible flowers aren't new to the world, however most diners have been rather afraid of garnishes made out of fresh flowers. People are usually not sure whether the flowers are there for decoration or whether they can be eaten. Even if it does come to be known that they are there to be eaten diners often wonder if they'll taste good or if there just better left on the plate like parsley.
There are several flower blossoms that can be enjoyed both fresh and cooked. It is quite difficult in fact to find edible flowers available in shops for sale but most of them can be grown quite easily in your garden. Since edible flowers are best eaten soon after harvest, growing your own edible flowers make even more sense as they then don't have to spend time in transit and lose their freshness. Edible flowers do grow in people's dachas (country cottages) in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Some people in the outskirts of St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia actually are quite knowledgeable about which flowers are edible and which are not. However most Russians tend to decorate their food with garnishes of herbs such as dill and parsley!! Also edible flowers can only grow in the outskirts of Moscow and St. Petersburg in the warm summer months. In winter it is too cold and crops simply die.

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Be careful When Selecting Edible Flowers
Only eat flowers that you are absolutely sure they are edible. Just because a flower is used as a garnish, doesn't mean it's edible!

Never eat a flower that has been treated with a pesticide!

Always follow the pesticide label instructions for harvesting.

Never eat flowers from florists, nurseries or roadsides!

Harvesting and Storing Edible Flowers
For most flowers listed as being edible, they are referring to the petals only. Remove the pistils and stamens before eating as well as any attached sepals.

Expect the flavor of edible flowers to vary seasonally and with growing location.

Edible flowers should ideally be harvested in the cool, morning hours. If you are not going to be using the flowers immediately, cut them with the stems intact and keep them in water. You could also store them in damp paper towels, in the refrigerator.

Edible Flowers to Grow in Your Vegetable or Flower Garden
Borage: Borage has a cucumber like scent and flavor. The vivid blue flowers make a striking addition to a salad or a last minute garnish to cooked foods.

Pansy: The whole flower is edible, sepals and all. Pansies have a mild, minty flavor. The flowers work well for candying and make great decorations on top of hor d'oeuvres and cakes.

Squash Blossoms: All squash flowers are edible, not just zucchini. A popular way of preparing them is to stuff the blossoms with cheese and fry them.

Calendula: (Pot Marigolds) The petals work well in cooked and fresh dishes. Calendula is also used as a saffron substitute. The yellow or orange petals will color and flavor foods when chopped and sautéed.
Dandelion: Everyone is familiar with dandelion wine, but the flowers are also edible and quite delicious when young and tender. There are many cultivated varieties that have been developed for less bitter taste and more controlled growth, but even the so called weeds in your lawn can be eaten, provided you haven't used pesticides on them.

Daylily: Most people are surprised to hear that Daylily flowers are edible, however they are often stuffed and prepared like squash blossoms.
Nasturtium: Easy to grow. Flowers have a peppery tang to them. The bright colors make great accents in salads. Can also be used to infuse vinegar. or even vodka.

Gem Marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia): 'Lemon Gem' and 'Tangerine Gem' Marigolds are the only edible marigolds. As their names suggest, they have a citrus flavor, even though you won't smell a citrus scent. Pull off the petals and break off and remove the bitter portion that comes to a right angle.

Herb Flowers: (Anise Hyssop, Basil, Bee Balm, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Fennel, Garlic...) Many herb flowers are just as tasty as the foliage and more attractive. Add some petals to any dish you were already going to flavor with the herb.

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Edible Flowers