Everything You Wanted To Know About Edible Flowers
One thing you should really avoid telling your kids is how you hid those soya chunks in that delicious burger patty they gobbled up, and tricked them into eating healthy. What if we told you your kids can eat healthy and yet not feel cheated? Surprised much? Alright, let us help you with that.
"How many flowers there are which only serve to produce essences, which could have been made into savoury dishes." - Charles Pierre Monselet. Monselet, a French novelist, has solved your life’s problem for good.
The Flora is here to ease your quest by bringing to you a list of flowers which add nutrition value of your meals, while adding a splash of colour to them. However, we encourage you to speak with a nutritionist before you decide to consume a flower.
Before we run you through the list, we must highlight here that not every edible flower is sweet, as they might smell. Some could be sour, tangy, or even bitter. Oddly, there is a high probability that you might have used some of these in your diet primarily as veggies and never knew that they were flowers.
- There are some flowers like broccoli, nasturtiums, lettuce, rose which provide some vital Vitamins to human body ranging from vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin E, Vitamin B6, etc.; while others such as chrysanthemum, dianthus, viola, pumpkin and sesbania flowers which provide humans with some essential minerals such as phosphorous, potassium, iron and bone building calcium.
- However much we try, we can never rule out the significance of Phytochemicals and Antioxidants. The radiant colours of these flowers indicate the presence of phytonutrients, flavonoids and antioxidants. The least you can expect out of them is lowering your risk of cancer and heart diseases.
- Borage and lavender are two flowers which provide us with essential vitamins as well as minerals.
- Marigold, collards, kale, spinach and nasturtiums contain lutein and zeaxanthin which is why you must have heard your grandmother(s) ask you to have spinach to protect your eyes from age-related disorders. According the university of Maryland Medical Center, Marigold contains flavonoids, which help protect your cells from damage.
- You must reckon that the list of such nourishing edible flowers is endless however bad they may taste. There are others such as California poppies, chamomile, Hibiscus, Honeysuckle and Mullein which take care of respiratory ailments, pain and headaches, induce sleep, prevent cholesterol deposits, aid liver disorders, aid in digestion, and soothe the stomach and colon.
You must, however, be careful to choose flowers that are well bred. Consider taking a few precautions before ingesting anything. Hence, we advise you to crosscheck with a professional holding a degree in nutrition science. It is only wise to have something you are positive about than be sorry later.
We do not advise you to pluck flowers from public areas but purchase edible ones from a grocery store. Keep in mind that your blossoms must not be treated with herbicides or pesticides, and always wash them before consumption.
Refer a book or the vast internet and grow your own blooms organically, if you must. Make sure you only consume the parts of the plant that are fit for human consumption. For instance, Honeysuckle blossoms make a lovely addition to salads, while its berries are poisonous. Whereas, all mint flowers are edible along with its leaves.
If this information excites you, you may introduce some edible flowers in your salads or layer them in your sandwiches. You may as well infuse them in oil or vinegar to add flavours to your pastas or soups. Pick roses if you want and supply your cakes with a delicious flavour and a dash of colour. Freeze some mint flowers if you like, and help yourself with some delightful home-made mojito. You may follow the same process with others and add those flavoured ice cubes to enhance various beverages.