Edible Flower Garden

Ever dreamed of growing edible flowers throughout your garden? Fantasized about skipping about, picking fresh flowers from all around to add to your salad, use in your cooking, or decorate your baked goods? Well, we can help you make this dream a reality! Let’s explore what edible flowers you can introduce to your garden, and you may even discover you already have some growing around you…

Onion & Chive Blossoms

Just like the stems of chives and green onions are desirable to use as garnishes in cooking, so are the blossoms! You may notice puffy blooms of pinkish-purple flowers on your onions and chives. They are edible and can be used in all of your cooking! Onion Blossoms are best used when the color has just begun to fade. Pick as many as you please and use fresh or dried as garnishes for savory dishes to add a pop to your plate! Top your eggs, roasted veggies, dips, and soups with these blossoms to introduce a hint of color and flavor. You can even infuse Onion Blossoms in butters with chives and other herbs. Just mix into softened butter and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it!

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Chamomile Flowers

Not only an ingredient in nighttime tea, Chamomile Flowers can be used in an abundance of ways! First, pick your flowers and allow them to dry out for a few days, or use a dehydrator if available to you. Once you have a solid batch of dried flowers, add to whatever confectionary creations you desire. Mix in with your overnight oats to add a floral flavor to your morning breakfast. Or use in your baking! Add the dried Chamomile flowers to your butter and sugar before mixing into your shortbread cookie batter. Add dried Chamomile to any baked goods for a soothing flavor and serene feeling!

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Nasturtiums

Nasturtium flowers are a desirable garnish for almost any dish! Add to spring rolls, stir-fries, and salads for a bright pop of color. You can even make Nasturtium pesto and hot sauce! Use dried Nasturtium flowers in a jar with garlic, vinegar, and chili to create a potent hot sauce with a fiery flavor and color! Or step up your homemade pesto game with Nasturtium leaves and flowers! Use 2-parts leaves to 1-part flowers and add garlic, macnuts, olive oil, and parmesan like you would a normal basil pesto. Process in a food processor or with the traditional mortar and pestle. Add to anything you would typically use a pesto in, but use sparingly as Nasturtium has a strong flavor and kick!

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Lavender

Another excellent flower to use in teas, Lavender can also be used in baking! Allow flowers to dry out before use. Break the petals off of the stems and roll them in sugar. Now you’ve created a Lavender sugar to sprinkle on top of cookies! Or add your sugar to icings to create a Lavender-infused flavor for your cakes and pastries! Ever heard of lavender ice cream? It’s real! There are no limits to what you can add Lavender to!

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Squash Blossoms

Squash Blossoms are a lovely addition to any meal. Popular in Italian and Mexican cuisine, Squash Blossoms can be enjoyed fresh or fried. Use as a garnish in pastas and soups, or stuff with cheeses and herbs and fry as an appetizer! Batter in breadcrumbs before frying for an extra crunch, or bake in the oven if you’re looking for a lighter dish. These are a great addition to your summer dinner parties or to bring to a potluck! Be sure to pick Squash Blossoms when they are fully open for best use in the kitchen. Early in the morning is peak harvesting time!

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Pea Flowers

This may be the most satisfying flower to use in a tea because of the intense, violet color. The Blue Butterfly Pea blooms in striking blue-purple blossoms, which are ready to pick once they are fully opened. Harvest a handful at a time and allow to dry once picked. Infuse in water by putting flowers in a steeper or simply soaking them in a container of water. Place in your fridge overnight or up to 3 days to allow the flower’s color to fully infuse into the water. Drink as-is, or flavor with lemon and honey to create a beautiful magenta color and refreshing tea. You can also use this tea in your favorite mixed drinks to add an intense color!

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