Adding flowers to a dish is a guaranteed way to add color and make whatever you’re serving look heckin’ fancy. But since it’s a bit of a rarity to incorporate florals, trying to figure out which blooms to serve can be a bit of a headache. But, no worries, we’ve got you. We created this little list of edible flowers that you can absolutely serve at your next gathering to wow your guests. Let’s get started!
Marigolds. Ahh marigolds, they add a pop of color to any yard or pot, they keep the mosquitoes at bay, and they’re easy to take care of. In the culinary world, using the flowers of signet marigolds as a garnish or in a recipe will give what you’re serving a bit of a citrus taste. And add a pop of color which is always a plus.
(image via: gardening know how)
Carnations. You can’t go wrong with carnations when you give them as a bouquet, they’re inexpensive, always a gorgeous color, a unique bloom, and they last forever. As it turns out, they’re a pretty solid choice in the culinary world as well as they can be steeped in wine, candied, or used as a cake decoration. Just make sure you cut them away from their white base (it’s bitter), but you’ll find the petals are sweet. In fact, carnation petals have been used in the making of Chartreuse, a French liqueur, since the 17th century.
Pansies. Anything but what the name implies, these petals have a wintergreen flavor and look incredible on desserts. If you’re really looking to wow people, pansies can be glazed with warm jelly to give them a jeweled look.
(image via: rainbow gardens)
Lilac. The aroma of lilac is like no other and we can’t get enough of it. The taste? As perfumey as you might imagine, and slightly bitter, with just a touch of lemon. Lilac petals are guaranteed to take your salads up a notch. (Or twelve!)
Borage. While the fuzzy leaves may be off-putting, this flower has a light cucumber taste to it that is delightful in fruit salads, green salads, or even frozen into ice cubes to freshen up a cocktail.
(image via: gardening know how)
Roses. Most of us probably know roses are edible, and the best way to describe the taste is: just as they smell. Though some have notes of strawberry or even green apple. And the uses for roses? Pretty endless. You can garnish desserts with rose petals, top ice cream, use them in salad, freeze them in ice. You can even make jams, butters, and syrups out of them!