Want to add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your meals? These seven flowers aren’t just beautiful – they’re edible too!
They’re packed with antioxidants
Many edible flowers contain antioxidants that help protect the body against harmful free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall cellular health.
They provide vitamins and minerals
Flowers offer vitamins A and C, along with essential minerals like potassium and iron, which support immune function and energy levels.
They support digestion
Flowers have traditionally been used to aid digestion. They can help stimulate appetite, ease bloating, and support a healthy gut environment.
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Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a favorite among edible flower lovers. They grow quickly and produce vivid red, orange, and yellow blooms.
Every part of the plant is edible, with a zesty, peppery flavor similar to arugula – perfect for salads and garnishes.
Pansies
Pansies come in a wide range of colors, including pink, purple, blue, and yellow. Their mildly sweet flavor makes them ideal as cake decorations or salad toppers.
They thrive in cool temperatures and can be grown indoors with indirect light and consistent watering.
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Calendula
Often mistaken for marigolds, calendula boasts golden-yellow petals with a sharp, slightly peppery taste. They’re excellent in soups, rice, and risotto.
Calendula is also a beloved heirloom plant with traditional medicinal uses, making it both tasty and meaningful to grow.
Chive blossoms
Chive blossoms are small, pom-pom-like flowers that bloom in late spring.
They carry a mild onion flavor and are excellent for garnishing dishes like eggs, dips, or butters.
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Chive plants are low-maintenance and offer double value – edible greens and flowers.
Eastern redbud
The eastern redbud might seem like an unusual choice, but its small magenta flowers are edible and add a tangy kick to salads.
While typically found in woodland areas, redbuds can also be grown in large containers and bloom early in the season.
Borage
Borage features vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers with a subtle cucumber flavor. They’re great for cocktails, yogurt, and cold soups.
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Borage needs full sun and deep containers to thrive and tends to self-seed easily – ideal for a sustainable edible garden.
Marigolds
Edible marigold varieties offer bright golden-red petals with a citrus tang. They can be sprinkled fresh or dried into salads, teas, or rice dishes.
These flowers are not only tasty but also act as natural pest repellents, making them great garden companions.
This article is based on information from Real Simple.
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