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If you're looking for a way to add beauty and flavor to your container garden, edible flowers are the perfect solution! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best flowers to grow in your garden and how to use them. Edible flowers can be used in salads, desserts, drinks, and more! So why not add some extra flavor and color to your garden?
The Best Edible Flowers for Your Container Garden
Edible flowers are a beautiful and delicious addition to any dish. And while you can find some of them at your local grocery store, some are impossible to find unless you grow them yourself or find them at a farmer's market. If you're planning on starting a container garden, here are some of the best edible flowers to consider planting:
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are cheerful annual flowers that are also edible. Their peppery flavor perfectly complements salads, and their cascading habit makes them ideal for container gardens.
Nasturtiums come in various colors, including vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red. Plant them in well-drained soil regularly in full sun and water to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Once they bloom, you can snip off the flowers and add them to your next salad or use them as a colorful garnish for grilled chicken or fish.
As a bonus, nasturtiums are also attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies.
So not only will your container garden look beautiful, but it will also provide a valuable food source for local wildlife.
Recommended: 70 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Nasturtiums
At the time of writing, this costs $5.99.
Calendulas
Calendulas are often used as edible flowers in a container garden. The flower's petals can add color and flavor to salads, soups, and sandwiches.
Calendulas are also known for their healing properties and can be used to make tea that helps to soothe the stomach. If you are growing calendulas in a container garden, make sure to choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide.
This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and prevent the plant from becoming rootbound. Also, keep the soil evenly moist and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth. With a bit of care, your calendula plants will produce an abundance of bright, beautiful flowers that can be enjoyed in the kitchen and beyond.
Recommended: 1 gram of Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Cal
At the time of writing, this costs $4.95.
Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is a beautiful and fragrant addition to any garden, and it also happens to be edible! The flowers are lovely in salads or as a garnish, and they can even be used to make homemade herbal tea.
Bee balm is an easy plant to care for and will thrive in any sunny spot. When planting bee balm in a container garden, be sure to use a pot that is at least 12 inches wide.
This will give the roots plenty of room to spread out and help prevent the plant from becoming rootbound. Bee balm will provide your garden with color and flavor for many years.
Recommended: 400 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Bee Balm Seeds
At the time of writing, this costs $8.99.
Cosmos
If you want to add a splash of color to your container garden, you can't go wrong with cosmos. Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they're also edible! Cosmos come in various colors, including pink, purple, and white.
They're easy to grow and don't require much care. Plant them in a sunny spot and water them regularly. You can start harvesting the flowers after they bloom. Add them to salads or use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
Recommended: 400 Heirloom Non-GMO Edible Cosmos Seeds
At the time of writing, this costs $8.99.
Rose petals
Rose petals are a good option for container gardens, as they add a splash of color and flavor. Choose petals from roses that haven't been sprayed with chemicals and give them a quick rinse before eating.
Once you have your rose petals, add them to green salads, use them as a garnish on soup or pasta, or combine them with other ingredients to make homemade vinegar or herbal tea.
Recommended: Certified USDA Organic Dried Rose Petals, Edible Food-grade
At the time of writing, this costs $14.95.
Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that can also be used in cooking. When selecting a variety of lavender for your container garden, choose one that is edible. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a good option, as it has a milder flavor than other varieties.
Lavender can be used in sweet or savory dishes. It is often used to flavor desserts like candied lavender or lavender lemonade. Lavender can also be added to savory dishes, such as chicken with lavender and rosemary. When using lavender in cooking, it is essential to use it sparingly, as the flavor can be intense. A little goes a long way!
Recommended: Certified USDA Organic Organic Lavender Dried Flowers
At the time of writing, this costs $11.99.
How to Use Edible Flowers in Your Cooking
You may have seen edible flowers in your local grocery store or farmer's market and wondered how to use them. While they may look delicate, edible flowers can be versatile in the kitchen. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
One of the simplest ways to use edible flowers is to toss them into a salad. You can arrange the flowers on top of the lettuce for a more dramatic presentation. Edible flowers can also be used to decorate cakes or cupcakes. Place them on the frosting or insert them into the cake itself.
If you're feeling adventurous, use edible flowers in savory dishes. They can be used as a garnish for soup or stirred into rice or pasta dishes. Just be sure to add them at the end of cooking so that they retain their color and flavor. With a bit of creativity, you'll find endless possibilities for using edible flowers in your cooking.
Many people think of flowers as decoration, but did you know that many flowers are edible? While some flowers have a strong flavor that can be overpowering in dishes, others are more delicate and can add a unique flavor to your favorite recipes. Here are some edible flower recipes to try at home:
Try adding edible flowers to your favorite fruit salad recipe for a sweet and refreshing treat. This is a great way to add a splash of color to any dish, and the flowers will add a subtle sweetness to the fruit.
If you're looking for something different, why not incorporate edible flowers into your next savory dish? Add chopped chives or rose petals to scrambled eggs, or toss some pansies into your next green salad.
We want a fun and unique way to decorate cakes and cupcakes. Edible flowers make beautiful and whimsy toppings for desserts. Whether you use them whole or petals, they'll add a touch of elegance to any baked good.
Ideas for Salads, Desserts, and Drinks with Edible flowers
Salads with Edible Flowers
Salads are a refreshing and healthy option for a summertime meal. Add some flair to your next salad by including edible flowers. Nasturtiums, pansies, and daylilies are all good choices. Wash the flowers thoroughly and remove the pistils and stamens before adding them to the salad. You can also add petals from roses, hibiscus, or jasmine. Add a flower-infused vinegar or oil to give your salad some extra zing. Elderflower, lavender, or rosemary vinegar would be good choices. Simply steep the flowers in vinegar for a week, then strain the solids. Try mixing sunflower or safflower oil with calendula or marigold petals for a flower-infused oil. Be creative and have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations. Your guests are sure to be impressed by your beautiful and unique salad.
Desserts with Edible Flowers
Spring is in the air, so it's time to start thinking about pastel desserts. One of the trendiest ways to decorate cakes and cupcakes right now is with edible flowers. Whether you use fresh or dried blooms, they'll add a touch of elegance to any treat. And the best part is that you can customize your creation to match the season. For example, warmer months are ideal for fresh flowers like roses, while fall and winter are perfect for dried flowers like lavender. So, whatever the occasion, an edible flower will fit the bill. So go ahead and experiment with this unique way of decorating desserts. Your taste buds will thank you!
Drinks with Edible Flowers
Edible flowers are a fun and unexpected way to decorate drinks. They can be used to add color, flavor, or both. While many people think of edible flowers as being exclusively savory, they can also be a great way to add a touch of sweetness to drinks. Rose petals, for example, can be used to make delicate syrup that can be added to cocktails or mocktails. Hibiscus flowers can also be used to make a refreshingly tart tea. Lavender buds can infuse honey or sugar with their characteristic floral flavor. So don't be afraid to get creative with your cocktail garnishes - edible flowers are a great way to add an extra dimension of flavor and visual appeal to your drinks.
Edible flower recipes
Lavender Honey Ice Cream
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup honey
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
One tablespoon of dried lavender flowers
Instructions:
1. Combine the cream, milk, honey, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Stir in the lavender flowers.
2. Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes. Strain out the lavender flowers, then refrigerate until cold.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve immediately, or store in the freezer for later.
Hibiscus Tea
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of hibiscus flowers
Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the hibiscus flowers and steep them for 5-7 minutes.
3. Sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
4. Enjoy!
Strawberry Rose Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
One lb. strawberries, hulled and quartered
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/4 cup olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. combine the strawberries, blue cheese, basil, balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Rose Petal Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 oz vodka
1 oz cranberry juice
3-4 rose petals
Instructions:
1. Pour vodka and cranberry juice into a shaker filled with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
3. Float rose petals on top and enjoy!
Pansy Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
Four large eggs at room temperature
1 cup all-purpose flour
One teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
Two teaspoons of vanilla extract
Violet food coloring
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (recipe follows)
12 fresh pansies for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the butter mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Color batter with violet food coloring until the desired shade is reached (I used about ten drops). Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Pipe Vanilla Buttercream Frosting onto cooled cupcakes using a Wilton 1M tip. Decorate with fresh pansies. Enjoy!
Dandelion Fritters
Ingredients:
1 cup flour
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
3/4 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup dandelion petals, chopped
1-2 tbsp oil for frying
salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add milk and melted butter and mix until well combined. Stir in dandelion petals.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Scoop batter by the tablespoon into the hot oil. Fry cakes for a few minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and sugar while still hot. Serve warm. Enjoy!
Candied Violet Cake Garnish
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Violets, rinsed and dried
Cake or doughnuts cooled
Instructions:
1. Combine sugar, water, and cream of tartar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved.
2. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
3. Boil without stirring until syrup reaches 305 degrees F on a candy thermometer (hard-ball stage).
4. Add violets and stir gently until syrup coats violets completely (about 1 minute).
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
6. Dip the top of each cake or doughnut into the cooled violet syrup, turning to coat evenly. Place on a wire rack to dry (about 10 minutes).
Edible flowers are a great way to add beauty and flavor to your favorite dishes. From salads to desserts, an edible flower will fit the bill. So go ahead and experiment with this unique way of cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Do you have a recipe that you love that features edible flowers? Please share it with us in the comments below!
