Gardening can be a feast for the senses, giving you plenty of delightful sights and smells throughout the year. What about taste, though? Sure, vegetables and fruits are great, but imagine enjoying the flavors of freshly grown flowers. Well, we’ve got good news–you absolutely can do this, but only with certain flowers, many of which we will be discussing in the following list.
Nasturtium
Even though the name sounds somewhat off-putting, nasturtiums are indeed edible, with both their leaves and flowers usable in salads and garnishes. These vibrant orange, yellow, and red blooms offer a peppery flavor that adds a kick to your dishes. Making matters even better, they thrive in poor soil and love full sun, so they’re super easy to grow for novice gardeners.
Calendula
Not many gardeners realize that calendula petals are edible, and they’re missing out on using them in their salads and teas. They’re not just tasty but healthy, too, boasting anti-inflammatory properties. With their bright, cheerful colors, they’ll also add a ton of color to even the most bland-looking meals, so they really are a win-win.
Chive Blossoms
Chive blossoms are another perfect addition to your edible flower bed; these lavender blooms have a mild onion taste that can elevate your culinary creations significantly. Just toss them in salads or use them as a garnish for soups and dips, and your taste buds will thank you. Best of all, chive blossoms also attract beneficial pollinators, making them a solid pick for your garden.
Borage
Another edible flower that you can grow in your backyard is borage flowers, which are best used in drinks. The star-shaped blue flowers have a mild cucumber-like taste, perfect for garnishing beverages, especially cocktails. Furthermore, they’re nice and easy to grow while also attracting bees, benefiting your garden’s ecosystem.
Lavender
Most people are aware that lavender smells fantastic, but it tastes delicious, too. In fact, a lot of people use these blooms in baking and herbal teas, adding a lovely floral note to dishes. The deep purple flowers can even infuse syrups and provide a soothing flavor, so don’t hold back–plant yourself some lavender!
Pansies
We can all agree that pansies are pretty to look at, but did you know they also make for wonderful ingredients? Specifically, their colorful petals have a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for including in dessert recipes. Pansies can also be candied for a special treat or used as a colorful garnish for cakes, and they’ll no doubt turn a basic treat into something that looks (and tastes) upmarket.
Squash Blossoms
If you grow squash in your garden, don’t forget to harvest the yellow blossoms, which can be used in all sorts of culinary dishes. For example, you could stuff them with cheese or use them in soups; the opportunities are endless, really, so feel free to experiment with them.
Marigold
Marigolds are another edible flower that can add a whole lot of color and flavor to your meals. Some people claim that they’re a saffron substitute, but that’s a bit exaggerated, although they certainly come close. Regardless, their bright orange and yellow petals, along with their slightly citrusy taste, are sure to add value to your home dining experience.
Violets
Violets are a charming flower that brings both beauty and flavor to your garden, with these edible blooms frequently being used in culinary applications–especially desserts. Their sweet, floral taste makes them ideal for flavoring icing sugar, candies, and ice creams, so make sure you harvest them this year to ensure they don’t go to waste.
Fennel Flowers
One of the more famous edible flowers on this list is fennel flowers, which are excellent for enhancing dishes with their anise flavor. Chefs use them for all sorts of applications, but most commonly, they make for a stunning garnish for fish dishes. As with many flowers on this list, they also attract beneficial insects, promoting a healthy garden ecosystem, so there’s really no excuse not to grow them.
Rosemary
As you are probably aware, rosemary flowers are totally edible and can be used in all sorts of tasty ways. Most notably, though, they complement roasted meats and baked goods. These days, they’re also becoming a trendy seasoning for french fries, but don’t spend money on this expensive street food–just make it yourself at home for free!
Radish Blossoms
If you love growing radishes for your pantry, we’ve got good news for you–their flowers are fully edible, too, and they have a similar flavor to the roots. The small, white, or purple blooms can be tossed into salads for a burst of flavor and color. Just harvest them throughout the summer while you let your roots grow, and you’ll never throw them in the compost bin again.
Cilantro Blossoms
Another famous entry on this list is cilantro flowers, also known as coriander flowers. These are edible blossoms that are commonly used in salads and garnishes, featuring an intense cilantro flavor that adds a unique touch to your dishes. Remember, though–not everyone enjoys the taste of cilantro, so don’t be surprised if it’s not a hit with all of your dinner guests.
Chamomile
Chamomile flowers are totally edible, especially in the context of teas. Their small white and yellow blooms offer a sweet, apple-like flavor that can enhance various dishes, too. However, there’s no denying that the best application is strained into a hot cup of tea, which comes with calming and sleep-enhancing benefits.
Tulip
Finally, as long as you grow your tulips organically, you can absolutely experiment with using them in meals. Typically, their petals have a mild, sweet taste that can be used in salads or as a colorful garnish. Just remember what we mentioned about organically growing them because regular store-bought tulips could contain harmful chemicals that you definitely shouldn’t be eating.