Five Edible Raw Flowers From Your Garden

Do you know flowers not only lay one’s eyes on as well as they are palatable? Our experience in consuming raw flowers is pretty limited. We rarely consume flowers directly from the garden. Flowers are more versatile than we think and there are many edible raw flowers. There are numerous ways of consuming flowers in the fresh raw form directly after plucking from the plant. Consuming raw flowers has many health benefits. 

Things To Remember For While Consuming Edible Raw Flowers

1.  All raw flowers cannot be consumed directly from the garden. There are a few things that we need to remember before consuming raw flowers. 
2. Mostly raw flowers are poisonous. So, Before consuming edible raw flowers directly, do enough research to keep yourself safe. 
3. Be cautious of flowers that have been sprayed with an insecticide, herbicide, pesticide, and fungicide.
4.  Remember to remove anther and stigma before consuming flowers.

List Of Edible Raw Flowers

These are flowers that you see every day in your garden. These five flowers are commonly available and easy to grow. They are hibiscus, dandelion, honeysuckle, purslane, and Basil flowers.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers are commonly grown in tropical and subtropical climates. It is given the nickname “Flowers-on-an hour” because flowers only last a day. 

 Interestingly, Hibiscus plants produce flowers year-round and can produce up to a hundred blooms in a season. Hundreds of hibiscus species exist. Roselle or Hibiscus sabdariffa is a popular species. We can see these edible raw flowers in multiple colors like red, white, yellow, and various shades of pink.

Nutritional Facts Of Hibiscus

• Hibiscus flowers have loads of Vitamin C that improve immunity.
• It has significant quantities of flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, associated with antioxidant, fever-reducing, pain-relieving, and spasm-inhibiting activities.

Ways To Use These Edible Flowers

• Long before the modern medicine era, our ancestors use hibiscus to treat various ailments like constipation, respiratory problems, circulation disorders, increase urination, relieve dry coughs, and treat skin affections. 
• You can consume it directly after plucking it from plants.
• These edible raw flowers go well with salads.
• You can use a hibiscus flower to make jams and jellies.
• The most popular use is making tea from dried petals.

Dandelion

You may have known Dandelions as stubborn garden weeds. However, they are one of the highly nutritious edible flowers. Dandelions have small blossoms of 2-4 cm with numerous tiny, bright-yellow petals.

Nutritional Value Of Dandelion

• The different plant compounds in dandelion are rich in antioxidants.
• The interesting thing is you can enjoy every part of this so-called weed, including its roots, stems, and leaves.

Uses Of This Edible Flower

• There are countless ways to eat dandelion. You can consume their petals raw, either alone or toss into a salad. 
• You can use them in bread and also make jelly and wine from petals.
• The greens are used raw as a salad or a sandwich topping.
• You can also use these edible raw flowers in stews, casseroles, or any other dish that calls for hearty greens.
• Roots are popular for making tea.

Honeysuckle

It is typically light yellow or white and is one of the most fragrant blossoms. They hold nectar that you can directly eat from flowers. 

Nutritional Value Of Honeysuckle

• Honeysuckle contains a high concentration of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds, making it extremely beneficial in treating severe headaches.
• Alterative, antibacterial, antispasmodic, depurative, diuretic, and febrifuge are properties of honeysuckle flower buds and stems.

 Uses Of Honeysuckle

• You can ingest these edible raw flowers extracts or apply them topically to treat various inflammatory conditions. However, medical science is yet to prove its efficacy.
• Because its Honeysuckle is excellent in preparing flavorful syrup and tea.
• The one thing you need to be cautious about is that its nectar is perfectly safe to eat, but berries from some varieties may be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Purslane

This tiny succulent was more valuable than a garden weed. But in recent times, its popularity is rising due to its rich nutrient content. You can use this succulent both in cooked and raw form.

Nutritional Value Of Purslane

• It is abundant in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• The biggest claim to its nutritional fame is its omega-3 fat content. It may be hard to believe but, purslane has more omega-3s than almost any other vegetable of its kind.

Uses Of These Edible Raw Flowers

• You can serve flowers raw in many salads and sandwiches. Raw flowers have a slightly sour and salty taste. Sourness is due to oxalic and malic acid and is highest when plucked in the early morning.
• Purslane can also be sautéed or steamed with other vegetables as a side dish or added to your favorite soups and stews because of its mucilaginous quality.
• The stems, leaves, and flower buds of these edible raw flowers are useful in both raw and cooked forms.

(Also Read- Indoor Flowering Plants To Purify Air)

 Basil flowers

Flowers of basil may be pink, purple, or white depending upon the type of variety, and almost all of them are edible. The most popular homegrown variety is sweet basil which has white flowers. All Basil flowers are edible, and have a similar fragrance and flavor, which is milder than leaves. Petals are edible in both fresh and dried form, not the stem or pistil. 

Nutritional Value Of Basil Flowers

• Basil flowers are rich in antioxidants that help to alleviate free radicals from the body.
• It has Eugenol, which can block calcium channels, lowering high blood pressure.

Uses Of These Raw Edible Flowers

• Basil flowers give a mild flavor and add a decorative touch.
• When you sprinkle it over a salad, basil flowers impart a mild basil flavor and add a decorative touch.
• These edible raw flowers go well to garnish pasta, cheese or fresh fruit, or plates of meat or vegetables.
•  It works beautifully in tea as well. 
• You can also use basil flowers in baking and preparing candies and syrups.

Conclusion

Dinner table floral centerpieces are a classic and timeless ritual, but flowers can also appear on your dinner plate. Raw edible flowers are utilized in many different types of cuisine and are available worldwide. Not all flowers are edible, but those that are can add taste and colour to salads, sauces, beverages, and entrees. Some may even be beneficial to health.

So next time you see any of these flowers in the garden don’t forget to make it a part of the cuisine. These edible raw flowers are not only rich in nutrients but offer you great taste. The most popular use is in tea and salads.