20 Delightful Edible Flowers To Add To Your Kitchen

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20 Delightful Edible Flowers To Add To Your Kitchen

Edible flowers have taken the culinary world by storm. They have been popping up in menus and gourmet magazines.

But eating flowers is nothing new. They have been used for centuries for their health benefits. Infused in teas, dried into powders, or as herbal poultices. In fact, they have been used as a garnish too for generations.

Do you want to begin using flowers to elevate your sweet and savory dishes? Get ready to transform your meals into masterpieces, improve your health, and tantalize your taste buds. I share with you 20 edible flowers along with their flavor profile and usage that you can begin using in your kitchen today.

Rose-Gulkand-Edible-Flowers

Rose

By far the most popular edible flower in India, gulkand, kewra, or even ittars would not be possible without the humble rose. The delicious flower is also packed with medicinal properties.

Flavor: sweet and fruity

Best used in: sweets, desserts, salads, and teas

Marigold-Tea-Edible-Flowers

Marigold

Bright and sunny, the marigolds are available in practically every Indian household during the festive season. These sunshine flowers are also known for their medicinal properties.

Flavor: subtle peppery with bitter undertones

Best used in: cocktails, cakes, salads, and teas

Pumpkin-Blossom-Edible-Flowers

Squash Blossoms

The pumpkin is a popular Indian vegetable but its flowers are equally delicious. These delicate, funnel-shaped squash or pumpkin blossoms are packed with antioxidants.

Flavor: Mild squash like taste

Best used in: stuffed and batter fried, or thoran

Pansies-Edible-Flowers

Pansies and Violas

The velvety texture of pansies and violas is a welcome addition to summer salads and cakes. Available in a riot of colors, they are good for your heart too.

Flavor: sweet, minty, grassy

Best used in: garnish for cakes, desserts, salads, and soups

Calendula-Edible-Flowers

Calendula

Another summer favorite, calendula petals add summer freshness to your salads and bakes. It is also used as a natural food color. Furthermore, it has immense skincare benefits.

Flavor: minty and grassy with a hint of bitterness

Best used in: garnish for desserts and salads, teas

Nasturtium-Edible-Flowers

Nasturtium

The brilliantly colored Nasturtium or Jalkumbhi flowers add a dash of color to your summer salads. The leaves are edible too and are an excellent alternative to watercress. What’s more, they are packed with nutrients.

Flavor: peppery and citrusy

Best used in: salads and meats

Chamomile-Tea-Edible-Flowers

Chamomile

You are probably well aware of the herbal benefits of chamomile tea. A resource of health benefits, these daisy-like flowers can be eaten raw, dried, fried, or steeped. 

Flavor: sweet herbal

Best used in: teas, salad dressing, bakes

Hibiscus-Tea-Edible-Flowers

Hibiscus

Hibiscus or shoe flowers are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. These seasonal medicinal flowers and their leaves are a popular addition to your diet. 

Flavor: Citrusy with a hint of bitterness

Best used in: teas, jams, salad garnish

Moringa-Edible-Flowers

Moringa

Popularly known as drumstick, each part of the miracle tree moringa is edible – leaves, fruits, flowers, and even roots. Having been used for centuries in India, the superfood has finally got its due.

Flavor: earthy, mushroom-like

Best used in: garnish, teas, and fritters

Mohua-Edible-Flowers

Mahua

One of the most versatile trees, mahua or butternut tree is known for its medicinal properties. The fleshy flowers with an intoxicating sweet fragrance are high in sugar content.

Flavor: sweet and caramel-like when dried

Best used in: oils, jams, breads, and country liquor

Papaya-Edible-Flowers

Papaya Blossoms

Papayas are available across the country and are one of the most affordable fruits. Slightly bitter in taste, the stir-fried papaya blossoms are a local delicacy of Nagaland in North East India.

Flavor: slightly bitter

Best used in: stir fries

Jasmine-Tea-Edible-Flowers

Jasmine

Fragrant and delicate, the jasmine flower is rich in antioxidants and has been used in fragrances and teas for centuries. The aromatic, pale-yellow flower is also a welcome addition to gourmet baking.

Flavor: sweet, floral, and delicate

Best used in: teas, bakes, garnish, and stir-fries

Banana-Blossoms-Edible-Flowers

Banana Blossoms

The Indian kitchen needs no introduction to the banana blossoms. Also known as banana hearts and loaded with nutrients, they are eaten both raw and cooked.

Flavor: neutral with a hint of bitternes

Best used in: curries, fritters, and stir fried

Lavender-Tea-Edible-Flowers

Lavender

A fragrant flower and an aromatic herb, lavenders have been used for generations for their medicinal benefits. English lavender or culinary lavender also make a great addition to your bakes.

Flavor: floral with hints of mint and bitterness

Best used in: cocktails, teas, and bakes

Snapdragon-Edible-Flowers

Snapdragon

Resembling the face of a dragon with a flavor reminiscent of chicory, snapdragons are an acquired taste. Available in a rainbow of colors, they are served both as a garnish or stuffed.

Flavor: neutral with a hint of tarty bitterness

Best used in: garnish or salads

Chrysanthemum-Edible-Flowers

Chrysanthemums

If you thought chrysanthemums were only limited to decorative flowers, think again. Similar to chamomile, these flowers are rich in antioxidants and minerals and popular as teas, both dried and fresh.

Flavor: sweet and grassy

Best used in: teas, salads, and garnish

Carnations-Edible-Flowers

Carnations

If you are looking for a sweet and spicy edible flower, carnations are the best pick for you. A flavoring agent or a decorative garnish, they are one of the most versatile edible flowers.

Flavor: sweet spicy with a hint of pepper

Best used in: cake decoration, wine, salads, and meats

Dahlia-Edible-Flowers

Dahlia

Known for its medicinal properties, both the flowers and the tubers of dahlia are edible. Segmented or compound, these vibrant flowers are available in a range of colors. 

Flavor: depends on soil and condition grown in

Best used in: petals in garnish and salads

Dianthus-Edible-Flowers

Dianthus

Available in a rainbow of hues from pink to burgundy, dianthus is both fragrant and flavorful. Eaten whole or just the petals, they are a great way to liven up your food.

Flavor: sweet spicy clove-like with a hint of tartness

Best used in: garnish, desserts, salads, and cocktails

Lilac-Edible-Flowers

Lilacs

Lilacs smell much better than they taste. Belonging to the olive family and with a few medicinal properties, these blossoms can be consumed both raw and cooked.

Flavor: floral and citrusy

Best used in: cake decorations, bakes, and infusions

How to use edible flowers

Here are some tips you need to keep in mind when using edible flowers

  • Always try using organic flowers.
  • When using fresh flowers, wash them well and refresh them in cold water. Pat dry before using.
  • Harvest edible flowers in the early morning.
  • Not all parts of a flower are edible. When in doubt, stick to petals and avoid using leaves or stems.
  • When purchasing edible flowers, look for ones that have just bloomed.
  • Freeze small whole flowers or petals into ice cubes to add color to your summer drinks.
  • Store dried flowers in an airtight container for a longer shelf life.

Now that you are well-versed with edible flowers, unleash your creativity and let your imagination fly. I would love to check out your recipes. Remember to share your pics and don’t forget to tag me.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Monidipa Dutta.  

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge.

Images credit: Canva


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20 Delightful Edible Flowers To Add To Your Kitchen