When it comes to culinary delights, we often focus on fruits, vegetables, and herbs. However, there is a whole world of edible flowers that can add beauty, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your dishes. From salads to desserts, these stunning blossoms can transform your meals into works of art. In this blog post, we will explore the top five best and edible flowers to eat and cook with, offering a delightful blend of taste and visual appeal.

1. Nasturtium: Nasturtium flowers are a popular choice for both their vibrant colors and peppery flavor. They come in a range of hues, including bright oranges, yellows, and reds, adding a splash of excitement to any dish. The blossoms pair well with salads, where their spicy taste adds a unique kick. You can also use them to garnish pasta dishes, soups, or even blend them into a zesty pesto.
2. Lavender: Known for its calming aroma, lavender is not only a delightful scent but also a fantastic ingredient for cooking. The delicate purple blossoms offer a slightly sweet and floral flavor, making them perfect for infusing into desserts, teas, or even savory dishes. Lavender can be used to enhance the taste of ice creams, cookies, lemonades, and syrups, providing a refreshing and aromatic twist.
3. Rose: Roses are widely adored for their beauty and fragrance, but did you know they are also edible? Rose petals offer a subtle floral taste with hints of fruitiness, which makes them a versatile addition to various recipes. You can use them to flavor jams, jellies, or create delightful rose-infused sugar. Rose petals can also be candied and used to decorate cakes, adding an elegant touch to your creations.
4. Calendula: Calendula, or marigold, is a vibrant flower with sunny hues of yellow and orange. Its slightly peppery and tangy flavor lends itself well to both sweet and savory dishes. Calendula petals can be used to brighten up salads, rice dishes, soups, and stews. They can also be infused into oils or vinegars, adding a distinctive taste and a pop of color to your culinary creations.
5. Pansy: Pansies are known for their delicate and multi-colored petals that resemble miniature works of art. These charming blossoms have a mild, slightly grassy flavor, which makes them an excellent addition to salads and desserts. You can use pansies to garnish cakes, tarts, or float them in drinks for an eye-catching touch. Additionally, pansies can be frozen into ice cubes to elevate the visual appeal of beverages.

Exploring the world of edible flowers opens up a realm of culinary possibilities, allowing you to transform your dishes into masterpieces of taste and aesthetics. From the peppery nasturtium to the calming lavender, each flower brings its unique flavors and visual charm to the table. By incorporating these top five edible flowers into your cooking repertoire, you can infuse your meals with creativity, elegance, and a delightful touch of nature’s beauty. So, why not experiment with these stunning blossoms and let your culinary imagination bloom?

To learn how to cook with edible flowers, such as dandelions, read more about our good eats recipes here. 

Happy Cooking, friends!

Disclaimer: Always be absolutely sure of what species of plant you are consuming as many plants are known to be toxic. This blog was based off of information current at the time of writing. Consult a Physician before making dietary changes.