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Appetizers anyone can make

Appetizers anyone can make
Figs stuffed with parmesan and wrapped in bacon

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Edible Flower Chart, just in time for spring

Flowers, 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. 
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Angelica BlossomsAngelica ArchangelicaSeeds, stems, Leaves, Flower PetalsLicorice flavor, celery flavorSeeds and stems are candied and put in liqueurs/Salads/fish dishes/ young leaves can be made into a teaRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Apple BlossomsMalus speciesFlower PetalsDelicatefloral aroma and flavorFruit Recipes, or candied as garnish.  Try them with my Fruit and Cheese appetizer with Sage HoneyDo Not Eat Apple Seeds

    Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Arugula BlossomsEruca VesicariaLeaves, Flower Petalslight spicy flavor, radish taste/mild in young leaves, more pronounced in older leavesSaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Banana BlossomsMusa ParadisiacaFlower Petals-interior white petalsEat the center of the blossoms where the petals are almost whiteSouth East Asian Cuisines. May be eaten raw or cookedRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Basil BlossomsOcimum basilicumBlossoms, LeavesA milder version of basil itself, can be lemon, or mint, or licorice flavorSalads/PastasRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part

    Bee Balm BlossomsMonoarda didymaLeaves,Flower PetalsThe red flowers have a mint flavor, and can be used instead of Oregano.Tastes like earl grey tea, can be used instead, SaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Borage BlossomsBorago OfficinalisLeaves,Flower PetalsCool cucumber tastePunches, mixed drinks, sorbets, dips, etc.Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Burnet BlossomsSanquisorba minorLeaves,Flower PetalsCool cucumber tastePunches, mixed drinks, sorbets, dips, etc.Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Calendula BlossomsCalendula OfficinalisFlower PetalsSpicy to Bitter, sharp taste is similar to SaffronSprinkle them on soups, pasta, rice, salads, herb butters.  Petals add a yellow tint to what it's cooked withRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Carnations BlossomsDianthus Caryophyllus or DianthusFlower PetalsYou can soak them in wine, or use in candy, or cake decorationsCarnation petals are used in the french liqueur chartreuseRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Chamomile BlossomsChamaeme-lum NoblisFlower PetalsSweet apple flavorTeas mostly/ garnishRagweed 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 BlossomsAnthriscus CerefoliumFlower PetalsAnise flavorSalads, 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 BlossomsCichorium IntybusFlower PetalsMildly bitter taste like endiveSalads, or pickledRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Chive BlossomsAllium  Schoeno-prasumAll Parts of plant are EdibleMild Onion flavorUse leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./SaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Chrysanthemum BlossomsChrysanthe-mum CoronariumFlower Petals, LeavesA Touch of pepper with a mild cauliflower tasteLeaves 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
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Cilantro BlossomsLeaves, Flower PetalsStrong Herbal Cilantro flavorSalads, 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 BlossomsCoriander SativumLeaves, Flower PetalsStrong Herbal Cilantro flavorSalads, 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 BlossomsCentaurea Cynaus* See usesSweet to spicy, with a clove like flavor*They can be eaten, but are most often used as a natural food dye, or garnishRemove 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 matronalisPlant and Flower Blossoms are edible but bitter.Mustard familyBest to use just the petals in a pretty saladRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part

    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Dandelion BlossomsTaraxacum OfficinalisLeaves, Flower PetalsHoney like when picked youngChoose 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 BlossomsAnethumLeaves, Flower Petals, SeedsTangy like the leaves but strongerSeeds-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 BlossomsBellis PerennisFlower PetalsMildly bitter, but very prettyGarnishment for a saladRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Fennel BlossomsFoeniculum VulgareFlower PetalsMild Anise flavorDesserts, cold soups, garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Fuchsia BlossomsFuchsia X hybridaFlower Petals and BerriesThey are slightly acidicMakes a pretty garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Garden Sorrel BlossomsRumex AcetosaFlower Petals  Tart, lemon tasteSalads, SaucesRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Garlic BlossomsAllium  SativumAll Parts of plant are EdibleStrong Onion FavorUse leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./SaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Garlic Chive BlossomsAllium  genusAll Parts of plant are EdibleStrong Onion FavorUse leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./SaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Ginger BlossomsZingiber Officinaleflower PetalsVery Fragrant, tastes gingery.Eat raw, or cook small new shootsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Gladiolus BlossomsGladiolusFlower PetalsVery Subtle, almost a lettuce qualitySalads, or as bowls for spreads and dipsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Grapefruit BlossomsFlower PetalsCitrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are  waxySalads, garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Hibiscus BlossomsHibiscus Rosa-sinensisFlower Petals-use sparinglyCranberry flavor with some citrus tasteSalad and Garnish, use sparingly/ teasRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Hollyhock BlossomsAlcea RoseaFlower Petals Very mild bland flavorSalads, GarnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Johnny Jump Ups BlossomsViola TricolorMild Wintergreen flavorSalads, Cakes, serve with cheese, drinks, soups, dessertsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Kumquat BlossomsFlower PetalsCitrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are  waxySalads, garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Lavender BlossomsLavandula angustifoliaFlower PetalsFloral sweet flavor of lemon and citrusPut 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
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Leek BlossomsAllium  genusAll Parts of plant are EdibleMild Onion flavorUse leaves to flavor soups, the Flower have a stronger flavor than the leaves, and the small flowers are the strongest./SaladsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Lemon BlossomsFlower PetalsCitrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are  waxySalads, garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Lemon Verbena BlossomsAloysia TriphyllaLeaves, Flower Petalscitrus flavorTeas, custard, flanRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Lilac BlossomsSyringa VulgarisFlower PetalsLemon taste, very fragrantSalads, and crystallized with egg white and sugarRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Marigold BlossomsTagetes Tenuifoilia, or T. SignataFlower PetalsCan be substituted for Saffron, slight citrus flavorSalads, and in place of saffronRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions

    Marjoram BlossomsOriganum MajoranaLeaves, Flower PetalsA milder version of the marjoram herbUse as you would use marjoramRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
     
                                                                             
    Mint BlossomsMenthaLeaves, Flower PetalsMint flavorGreat in Middle Eastern dishesRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part



    Okra BlossomsAbelmoschus EsculentusFlower PetalsAsparagus flavorPickle 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 BlossomsFlower Petals Citrus, and Lemon scented/Very Strong Scent-use sparingly. They are  waxyDistilled 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
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Oregano BlossomsOriganum VulgareLeaves, Flower PetalsA milder version of the Oregano herbUse as you would use oreganoRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Pansy BlossomsViola X WittrockianaFlower PetalsFresh green or grassy taste-better if only the petals are eatenSalads, garnish, desserts, soupsRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Peony BlossomsPaeonia LactifloraFlower PetalsMild flavor, used for their appearanceIn 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 BlossomsPrimula VulgarisFlower PetalsSweet, but bland tasteSalads, Pickle them,use as a vegetable or put into wineRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Radish BlossomsRaphanus SativusFlower PetalsSpicy biteSalads, or sauteedRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Rose BlossomsRosa Rugosa or R Gallica OfficinalisFlower PetalsStrawberries and green apples, some mint and spice flavor as wellThe 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 BlossomLeaves, Flower PetalsA milder version of the Rosemary herbGood 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 BlossomCarthamus tinctoriusFlower PetalsMexican SaffronUsed  in place of SaffronRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Sage BlossomSalvia OfficinalisLeaves, Flower PetalsSubtle Sage tasteSalads, Garnish, Beans Corn Dishes, Mushrooms,or Pesto saucesRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Savory BlossomSatureja HortensisFlower PetalsHot and Peppery, similar to ThymeSalads, Garnish Remove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Scarlet Runner Bean BlossomsRhaseolus VulgarisFlower PetalsVery tasty petalsSalads, Soups, young pods are more tenderRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    PicturePlant or Flower-
    Common Name
    Latin NameWhich parts
    are edible?
    FlavorSuggested
    uses
    Precautions
    Snap Dragon BlossomsAntirrhinum MajusFlower PetalsBland to bitterEdible, but not tasty, use as garnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Squash  BlossomsCurcubita PepoFlower PetalsTastes mildly of raw squashStuff with cream cheese and roasted garlic, or your favorite stuffing for an amazing presentationRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Sunflower BlossomsHelianthus AnnusFlower PetalsAt the bud stage, it tastes similar to artichoke. Older flowers, flavor is bittersweet, and can be cooked like an artichokeCan be cooked like an artichoke as a vegetableRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Thyme BlossomThymusLeaves, Flower PetalsMilder flavor of the leaves, tastes like ThymeSoups, Salads, where ever you'd use thymeRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Violet BlossomsViola speciesLeaves, Flower PetalsSweet perfumed flavorSalads, desserts, iced drinks, cakes, and can be crystallized. The heart shaped leaves are edible as well, and good when cooked like spinachRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part
    Yucca PetalsYucca speciesFlower PetalsCrunchy with a sweet tasteSalads, GarnishRemove bitter flower base, and just use the petals/Don't eat the stamens, the interior male part

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