Gourmet Groove

Category: Chronicle Archives Published on Tuesday, 01 August 2006 20:00 Written by Michigan Chronicle

Before I start picking through my vase of flowers, I realize I need to do research to find a few flower recipes and find out what types of flowers are edible.  I have quite a few questions I need answered.  Do I eat them raw or stir fried, or do I bake them in my cakes and brownies?  I certainly want to be sure that I ingest the right kind of edible flowers.  Roses are beautiful, but I am not sure if I should eat them. 

           
After obtaining plenty of information of do’s and don’ts of flower eating, the funny thing I found out is that I won’t be eating my bouquet of flowers after all.  That’s a very important rule when eating flowers:  Do not eat flowers from a florist or nursery since they probably have been sprayed with pesticides.  There are a few other rules-of-thumb to follow as well. 

Before you start plucking dandelions (or any other flower) from your front yard and sprinkling them over your salad, be sure to consult a reference book that lists edible flowers.  Normally, the petals are the tastiest, although some flowers have tasty stems as well.

When garnishing food with flowers only use edible flowers since some people will assume that everything on the plate is edible. 

Also, when introducing flowers into your diet, try to eat small quantities at a time.  Also remember that if you have allergies, you might have some sensitivities. 

I know of a few flowers that are easily accessible if you’re looking to spice up or jazz up your meals and some of them are right in your backyard.

Geraniums range in flavor from spicy to fruity, and the colors are bright enough to add texture and color to a dish.  Sprinkle the petals over desserts and in drinks or freeze in ice cubes. 

           
The flavors of the rose depend on type and color.  The taste can be described as similar to strawberries or green apples.  All roses are edible and the darker colored flowers are considered the sweetest.  The petals can be sprinkled over ice cream, desserts and salads and also used in syrups, jellies and spreads.  

           
Since our backyards have probably been exposed to some type of pesticide, you can’t pluck dandelions from your yard.  However, they are an edible flower with a sweet, honey flavor.  Dandelions can be enjoyed raw or steamed and tossed in salads.  The flowers also are used to make wine.  When serving a rice dish use dandelion petals like confetti over the rice.

           
And remember, if flowers in your meal don’t suit your palate, you can always place them in a vase or wear them in your hair.