| Edible Flowers Chart
Edible Flowers-These varieties are safe to eat when home grown (Safety note, grow at home, make sure no pesticides are used and don't just eat any flower without making sure it's edible and don't eat flowers from a florist shop). If you buy a growing plant from a nursery, be sure and wait for 1 month of growing time in your pesticide free garden to dissipate any items sprayed etc. at the nursery. These can be purchased at specialty stores labeled for culinary use. | |
| Please read precautions before eating any flower | | |
| Always wash flowers/Please note the exact variety mentioned for safety |
Note, some left out on purpose, due to easy confusion with poisonous plants. |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Angelica Blossoms | Angelica Archangelica | Seeds, stems, Leaves, Flower Petals | Licorice flavor, celery flavor | Seeds and stems are candied and put in liqueurs/Salads/fish dishes/ young leaves can be made into a tea | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Apple Blossoms | Malus species | Flower Petals | Delicatefloral aroma and flavor | Fruit Recipes, or candied as garnish. Try them with my Fruit and Cheese appetizer with Sage Honey | Do Not Eat Apple Seeds
Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Arugula Blossoms | Eruca Vesicaria | Leaves, Flower Petals | light spicy flavor, radish taste/mild in young leaves, more pronounced in older leaves | Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Banana Blossoms | Musa Paradisiaca | Flower Petals-interior white petals | Eat the center of the blossoms where the petals are almost white | South East Asian Cuisines. May be eaten raw or cooked | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Basil Blossoms | Ocimum basilicum | Blossoms, Leaves | A milder version of basil itself, can be lemon, or mint, or licorice flavor | Salads/Pastas | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Bee Balm Blossoms | Monoarda didyma | Leaves,Flower Petals | The red flowers have a mint flavor, and can be used instead of Oregano. | Tastes like earl grey tea, can be used instead, Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Borage Blossoms | Borago Officinalis | Leaves,Flower Petals | Cool cucumber taste | Punches, mixed drinks, sorbets, dips, etc. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Burnet Blossoms | Sanquisorba minor | Leaves,Flower Petals | Cool cucumber taste | Punches, mixed drinks, sorbets, dips, etc. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Calendula Blossoms | Calendula Officinalis | Flower Petals | Spicy to Bitter, sharp taste is similar to Saffron | Sprinkle them on soups, pasta, rice, salads, herb butters. Petals add a yellow tint to what it's cooked with | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Carnations Blossoms | Dianthus Caryophyllus or Dianthus | Flower Petals | You can soak them in wine, or use in candy, or cake decorations | Carnation petals are used in the french liqueur chartreuse | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Chamomile Blossoms | Chamaeme-lum Noblis | Flower Petals | Sweet apple flavor | Teas mostly/ garnish | Ragweed Sufferers may be allergic to chamomile
Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Chervil Blossoms | Anthriscus Cerefolium | Flower Petals | Anise flavor | Salads, best if not cooked, as it loses flavor in doing so. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Chicory Blossoms | Cichorium Intybus | Flower Petals | Mildly bitter taste like endive | Salads, or pickled | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Chive Blossoms | Allium Schoeno-prasum | All Parts of plant are Edible | Mild Onion flavor | Use leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Chrysanthemum Blossoms | Chrysanthe-mum Coronarium | Flower Petals, Leaves | A Touch of pepper with a mild cauliflower taste | Leaves are used for Flavoring vinegars, Petals only are used on salads, stir fry dishes. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Cilantro Blossoms | | Leaves, Flower Petals | Strong Herbal Cilantro flavor | Salads, best raw, as they lose flavor when cooked. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Coriander Blossoms | Coriander Sativum | Leaves, Flower Petals | Strong Herbal Cilantro flavor | Salads, best raw, as they lose flavor when cooked. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Cornflower Blossoms | Centaurea Cynaus | * See uses | Sweet to spicy, with a clove like flavor | *They can be eaten, but are most often used as a natural food dye, or garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Dame's Rocket Blossoms (often confused with Phlox, note-Phlox has five petals, and Dame's Rocket h
as only 4) | Hesperis matronalis | Plant and Flower Blossoms are edible but bitter. | Mustard family | Best to use just the petals in a pretty salad | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
|
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Dandelion Blossoms | Taraxacum Officinalis | Leaves, Flower Petals | Honey like when picked young | Choose only the smallest newest dandelions, they are not bitter as the mature plant. Use Raw, steamed or into wine. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Dill Blossoms | Anethum | Leaves, Flower Petals, Seeds | Tangy like the leaves but stronger | Seeds-pickling/Leaves as herb, and Flowers as herb in Soups, seafood, dips, etc. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| English Daisy Blossoms | Bellis Perennis | Flower Petals | Mildly bitter, but very pretty | Garnishment for a salad | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Fennel Blossoms | Foeniculum Vulgare | Flower Petals | Mild Anise flavor | Desserts, cold soups, garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Fuchsia Blossoms | Fuchsia X hybrida | Flower Petals and Berries | They are slightly acidic | Makes a pretty garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Garden Sorrel Blossoms | Rumex Acetosa | Flower Petals | Tart, lemon taste | Salads, Sauces | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Garlic Blossoms | Allium Sativum | All Parts of plant are Edible | Strong Onion Favor | Use leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Garlic Chive Blossoms | Allium genus | All Parts of plant are Edible | Strong Onion Favor | Use leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Ginger Blossoms | Zingiber Officinale | flower Petals | Very Fragrant, tastes gingery. | Eat raw, or cook small new shoots | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Gladiolus Blossoms | Gladiolus | Flower Petals | Very Subtle, almost a lettuce quality | Salads, or as bowls for spreads and dips | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Grapefruit Blossoms | | Flower Petals | Citrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are waxy | Salads, garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Hibiscus Blossoms | Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis | Flower Petals-use sparingly | Cranberry flavor with some citrus taste | Salad and Garnish, use sparingly/ teas | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Hollyhock Blossoms | Alcea Rosea | Flower Petals | Very mild bland flavor | Salads, Garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Johnny Jump Ups Blossoms | Viola Tricolor | | Mild Wintergreen flavor | Salads, Cakes, serve with cheese, drinks, soups, desserts | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Kumquat Blossoms | | Flower Petals | Citrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are waxy | Salads, garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Lavender Blossoms | Lavandula angustifolia | Flower Petals | Floral sweet flavor of lemon and citrus | Put in Champagne, cakes garnish, stews, flans, custards, etc. | Do not consume lavender oil unless you know if has not been sprayed and is safe
Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Leek Blossoms | Allium genus | All Parts of plant are Edible | Mild Onion flavor | Use leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./Salads | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Lemon Blossoms | | Flower Petals | Citrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are waxy | Salads, garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Lemon Verbena Blossoms | Aloysia Triphylla | Leaves, Flower Petals | citrus flavor | Teas, custard, flan | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Lilac Blossoms | Syringa Vulgaris | Flower Petals | Lemon taste, very fragrant | Salads, and crystallized with egg white and sugar | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Marigold Blossoms | Tagetes Tenuifoilia, or T. Signata | Flower Petals | Can be substituted for Saffron, slight citrus flavor | Salads, and in place of saffron | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Marjoram Blossoms | Origanum Majorana | Leaves, Flower Petals | A milder version of the marjoram herb | Use as you would use marjoram | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Mint Blossoms | Mentha | Leaves, Flower Petals | Mint flavor | Great in Middle Eastern dishes | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
|
| Okra Blossoms | Abelmoschus Esculentus | Flower Petals | Asparagus flavor | Pickle them when small, and then use them as your vegetable dish, either stewed or fried. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Orange Blossoms | | Flower Petals | Citrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are waxy | Distilled orange flower water is used in Middle Eastern Pastries and drinks. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Oregano Blossoms | Origanum Vulgare | Leaves, Flower Petals | A milder version of the Oregano herb | Use as you would use oregano | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Pansy Blossoms | Viola X Wittrockiana | Flower Petals | Fresh green or grassy taste-better if only the petals are eaten | Salads, garnish, desserts, soups | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Peony Blossoms | Paeonia Lactiflora | Flower Petals | Mild flavor, used for their appearance | In China, a tea delicacy/Salads/ Float in Punches, etc. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Primrose Blossoms | Primula Vulgaris | Flower Petals | Sweet, but bland taste | Salads, Pickle them,use as a vegetable or put into wine | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Radish Blossoms | Raphanus Sativus | Flower Petals | Spicy bite | Salads, or sauteed | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Rose Blossoms | Rosa Rugosa or R Gallica Officinalis | Flower Petals | Strawberries and green apples, some mint and spice flavor as well | The darker the flower, the more intense the flavor,Try them in Ice cubes, syrups, jellies. Don't use the white portion of the petal, it's bitter. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Rosemary Blossom | | Leaves, Flower Petals | A milder version of the Rosemary herb | Good in Mediterranean Dishes, with meats, seafood, sorbets etc. | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Safflower Blossom | Carthamus tinctorius | Flower Petals | Mexican Saffron | Used in place of Saffron | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Sage Blossom | Salvia Officinalis | Leaves, Flower Petals | Subtle Sage taste | Salads, Garnish, Beans Corn Dishes, Mushrooms,or Pesto sauces | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Savory Blossom | Satureja Hortensis | Flower Petals | Hot and Peppery, similar to Thyme | Salads, Garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Scarlet Runner Bean Blossoms | Rhaseolus Vulgaris | Flower Petals | Very tasty petals | Salads, Soups, young pods are more tender | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
Picture | Plant or Flower-
Common Name | Latin Name | Which parts
are edible? | Flavor | Suggested
uses | Precautions |
| Snap Dragon Blossoms | Antirrhinum Majus | Flower Petals | Bland to bitter | Edible, but not tasty, use as garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Squash Blossoms | Curcubita Pepo | Flower Petals | Tastes mildly of raw squash | Stuff with cream cheese and roasted garlic, or your favorite stuffing for an amazing presentation | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Sunflower Blossoms | Helianthus Annus | Flower Petals | At the bud stage, it tastes similar to artichoke. Older flowers, flavor is bittersweet, and can be cooked like an artichoke | Can be cooked like an artichoke as a vegetable | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Thyme Blossom | Thymus | Leaves, Flower Petals | Milder flavor of the leaves, tastes like Thyme | Soups, Salads, where ever you'd use thyme | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Violet Blossoms | Viola species | Leaves, Flower Petals | Sweet perfumed flavor | Salads, desserts, iced drinks, cakes, and can be crystallized. The heart shaped leaves are edible as well, and good when cooked like spinach | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
| Yucca Petals | Yucca species | Flower Petals | Crunchy with a sweet taste | Salads, Garnish | Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part |
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