Edible Flowers

Edible Flowers Big-head Clover Candy Flower Chia Chicory Miner's Lettuce Hollyhock Nasturtium Spiderwort Wild Rose Western Dog Violet Flower Power

Flowers can add a splash of color as a garnish for many meals, and the list of edible flowers available as either nutritious or decorative additions to any dinner table is endless.

One of the big drawbacks associated with edible flowers is similar to the drawbacks associated with edible mushrooms. Without having a botany background or expertise in the area, it's difficult to choose between edible and poisonous flowers.

The bulbs of many lily species, for example, are considered edible, and they served as staple foods for Native Americans. Not knowing the difference between an edible lily and a poisonous lily such as the Death Camas can cause real problems.

Fear not, the recent increased interest in edible flowers means there is a high probability that a local horticulture organization offers seasonal based edible flowers classes or seminars. Often they take the form of a sunny day walk to explore the local blooms.

Any reputable edible flowers class will also provide a couple of general picking tips. For example, flower location is always an important determinant when picking flowers for consumption. Flowers growing along a roadside, might technically be edible. However, it's also important to take into account the toxic exhaust fumes from passing roadside vehicles prior to making a decision to consume the roadside flowers. Edible flowers grown in gardens that uses pesticides should also be avoided.

Flowers should be picked in early morning when they are in full bloom. Removing the stems, sepals, pistils, and stamens is also recommended prior to use.

The links in the box point to a very small sample of edible flowers. Anyone can double and triple check sources to confirm they make virtually all edibility lists.

Having said that, the pictures and accompanying details are provided on an as is basis. Do not use this, or any one source, as a definitive guide for picking and consuming any flowers.

The following list of flowers (without pictures) are also on the edible list.

• Bee balm (Monarda didyma): citrus, minty flavor
• Borage (Borago officinalis): cucumber flavor
• Calendula (Calendula officinalis): bitter saffron substitute
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): sweet tea
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): mild onion flavor
• Impatiens (Impatiens wallerana): sweet
• Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): perfumed taste

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels.