Flowers have been a tradition for as long as human beings have lived. They are used to symbolize love and are also a gesture of kindness. On a daily basis we see flowers being used from dinner tables to hospitals and sometimes in our living rooms too.
They have proven to have many positive impacts on sick people and great health benefits in our daily lives. However, in this article we take a look at flowers that are edible and have potential health benefits. These edible flowers are used in different styles of cuisine around the world and can be found on menus almost everywhere you go
Moreover, it is important to note that not all flowers are edible, some are very poisonous and trying to consume them could result in death. Those that are edible can be used in adding flavour or colour to different dishes. These may include salads, sauces as well as beverages.
Below are some types of edible flowers and their characteristics.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants produce large, ornate blossoms that usually grow in tropical and subtropical climates all over the world. Lots of hibiscus species exist, but the most popular edible variety is known as roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Hibiscus flowers can grow as large as 6 inches in diameter and are found in a wide array of colours that include red, white, yellow and various shades of pink.
Although sometimes it is grown for strictly ornamental purposes, hibiscus is also well known for its culinary and medicinal applications. You can eat the flower straight from the plant, but it is usually used for tea, relishes, jam as well as salads.
The Dandelion
These are best known as stubborn garden weeds. However, they happen to double as a highly nutritious edible flowers.
Dandelions have small blossoms grows to roughly 1–1.5 inches in diameter with many tiny, bright-yellow petals. They supply various plant compounds known to have powerful antioxidant properties.
Interestingly, the flowers are not the only part of dandelion that can be eaten. In fact, every part of this so called weed can be enjoyed including its roots, stems and leaves.
Moreover, there are endless options for eating dandelion. The flowers can be eaten raw, either alone or tossed into a salad. They may be breaded and fried or used to make jelly and wine.
The roots are often steeped to make tea, while the greens may be consumed raw as a salad or a sandwich topping. They can also be cooked in stews, casseroles or any other dish that calls for hearty greens.
Lavender
Lavender is a woody, floral herb originally grown in parts of northern Africa and the Mediterranean. The violet flowers are very small but plentiful.
Lavender is probably best known for its distinctive fragrance, which is acclaimed for its calming effects. The combination of colour and aroma makes lavender a particularly desirable addition to a variety of foods, including baked goods, infused syrups, liqueurs, herbal teas, dry spice rubs and herb mixtures.
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