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It's best not to use flowers you don't know about, if in doubt, call your
local poison center!
Before you start experimenting with all those pretty blossoms in your yard,
it is essential that you become familiar with lists of flowers that are safe
and unsafe for human consumption.
Be sure your children know the difference between safe and unsafe plants
too!
Be certain that the flowers you use in cookery are pesticide free. Until the turn of the last century, cooking and brewing with blossoms was quite common. And now it seems that the pendulum swings back.. to use flowers in the pantry once again is being discovered. Flowers contain vitamins and minerals that can supplement anyone's diet. For example rose hips contain more vitamin C than oranges. Beyond this, blossoms offer a tasty alternative to the common spices, or can be used in combination with them. Flowers enhance the presentation of many salads, but so it seems with flowers at least, 'Beauty is not just skin deep'. Caution - Choosing Flowers: In returning to flowers as a food, one must be careful to use either homegrown varieties or those certified as organically grown. Although beautiful, store-bought flowers, are typically laden with chemical additives that cling to the petals. Pick flowers early in the early morning, when blossoms are fresh and moist, before the sun's heat depletes their natural oils. Remove any part of the stem. You will notice that some recipes call for just the petals of the flower. This is because the stamen, sepal, and calyx may be bitter. Buds that have just opened seem to provide the best flavors and scents. Gently wash the blossoms or petals in cool water to wash away any dirt. Wrap them in paper towels and place in a plastic bag to be stored in the refrigerator until mealtime. "Anise Hyssop"Agastache foeniculum Harvest fresh leaves as necessary throughout the summer. The best time to collect foliage for drying is just before blooming; hang bunches to dry. The leaves have a distinctive licorice scent and flavor. Zones 5-9, prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. "Bachelor's-button" "Begonia" '"Borage"Borage officinalis This plant is supposed to be completely edible... also can be candied... but caution: some sources suggest that borage is toxic when consumed in large quantities over long periods of time. The blue flowers can be tossed in a salad, and the leaves have a cucumber flavor... the blossoms attract honeybees and hummingbirds... but Japanese beetles will attach this plant if their preferred food sources are scarce. It is grown as an annual, but will self-seed. "Calendula "(petals) Calendula officinalis Pot marigolds are cheery, dependable bloomers in the garden. Zones 3-9, Full sun to partial shade. Rinse, than dry petals in shade on paper to prevent sticking; store in moisture-proof jars. Preserve whole flowers in salad vinegar. Use dried and ground calendula flowers as a substitute for saffron. "Chrysanthemum" petals "Cornflower" "Dandelion" petals "Day lily" Hemerocallis fulva "Fuchsia" "Gladiola" "Hibiscus" "Hollyhocks" "Johnny-Jump-Ups" Makes beautiful cake decorations... and adds fun to fruit salads! "Nasturtium"Tropaeolum majus Nasturtiums are a favorite of both gardeners and chefs. The blossoms (colors range from pale yellow to orange) are a reliable source of color all summer long. Snip young, fresh leaves and blossoms all summer as needed for salads. In fall, pickle the unopened buds for a homemade version of capers. This is also grown as an annual, does well potted, but doesn't like to be transplanted, will survive serveral light frosts in fall. "Pansy" "Purslane" "Roses"If you are planning to eat these, make sure you do not use any chemicals on the plant or in the soil for at least 16 months. Space correctly, provide adequate sunshine, and water in early morning, when foliage will dry quickly, to prevent foliage and root diseases. Knock aphids and mites from leaves with a spray of water. Handpick large pests like Japanese beetles and rose chafers daily. Gather petals before completely open and dry them quickly on screens or paper. Collect rosehips in fall and dry them, or make vinegars and preserves. "Rosa rugoso"(Alba) "Roman Chamomile"Chamaemelum nobile 'Roman Chamomile' Small daisy-like flowers... Herb gardens of yesterday often included a lush lawn of chamomile that released a sweet, apple-like scent when walked upon. The tea is relaxing after a stressful day. Collect flowers at full bloom and dry on screens or paper. Store in tightly sealed containers. Collect flowers at full bloom and dry on screens or paper. Store in tightly sealed containers. "Scented geraniums" "Snapdragon" "Squash" (especially male zucchini blossoms) "Tulip" "Viola & Violet" "Yucca"
Toxic Flowers...Warning, do NOT eat the following flowers.....
A list of common, but poisonous plants ... Azalea
*These have proven toxic to animals, so I include them as a caution,
although I am not sure of their toxicity to humans. I would suggest further
research before including them in your cuisine!
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