Edible Flowers: The Delicious New Trend in Cooking!

// Nate Bateman // english, Survival Info

Reading Time: 5 minutes

EDIBLE FLOWERS: THE DELICIOUS NEW TREND IN COOKING!

Growing edible flowers is a great way to add beauty and nutrition to your off-grid living or disaster preparedness plan. Not only do they provide a pop of color to your garden, but they can also be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and nutrients. With the uncertainty of the world today, it’s important to have a sustainable food source that can be easily grown and harvested. Edible flowers are a great option for this, as they require minimal space and maintenance.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of growing edible flowers, the different types of flowers that are safe to eat, and how to incorporate them into your diet. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to start growing your own edible flowers.

GROWING EDIBLE FLOWERS

In times of crisis, it is essential to have a reliable source of food. Whether you are living off the grid, preparing for a disaster, or simply looking to grow your own food, edible flowers can be a valuable addition to your survival garden. Not only do they provide a burst of color and flavor to your meals, but they are also packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of ways.

Choose the Right Flowers

Not all flowers are edible, and some can even be toxic. It is essential to do your research and choose the right flowers for your garden. Some popular edible flowers include:

  • Nasturtiums
  • Calendula
  • Pansies
  • Violets
  • Roses

These flowers are not only safe to eat, but they also have a pleasant taste and aroma.

Prepare Your Soil

Edible flowers, like any other plant, require healthy soil to grow. Make sure your soil is well-draining and rich in nutrients. You can add compost or organic fertilizer to improve the soil quality. It is also a good idea to test your soil’s pH level and adjust it if necessary. Most edible flowers prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Plant Your Flowers

Once you have chosen your flowers and prepared your soil, it is time to plant your seeds or seedlings. Make sure to follow the planting instructions for each flower, as they may have different requirements. Some flowers, like nasturtiums, prefer to be planted directly in the ground, while others, like pansies, can be started indoors and transplanted later.

Water and Fertilize

Edible flowers require regular watering to thrive. Make sure to water your plants deeply and consistently, especially during hot and dry weather. It is also a good idea to mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Fertilizing your plants is also important to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. You can use organic fertilizers like compost, fish emulsion, or bone meal. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer blooms.

Harvest Your Flowers

Once your flowers have bloomed, it is time to harvest them. Most edible flowers are best harvested in the morning when the blooms are fresh and the dew has dried. Gently remove the petals from the flower and discard any green parts or stems. Rinse the petals in cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Store and Use Your Flowers

Edible flowers can be used in a variety of ways, from garnishing salads and desserts to infusing oils and vinegars. They can also be dried and stored for later use. To dry your flowers, simply spread them out on a clean, dry surface and let them air dry for several days. Once they are completely dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Some popular ways to use edible flowers include:

  • Adding them to salads for a pop of color and flavor
  • Using them as a garnish for cocktails and desserts
  • Infusing them in oils and vinegars for a unique flavor
  • Making tea or herbal remedies with them
  • Using them in homemade beauty products like soaps and lotions

Benefits of Growing Edible Flowers

Aside from their culinary uses, edible flowers also offer a range of health benefits. Many flowers are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. Some popular edible flowers and their health benefits include:

  • Nasturtiums: Rich in vitamin C and iron, and have antibacterial properties
  • Calendula: Anti-inflammatory and can help soothe skin irritations
  • Pansies: Rich in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system
  • Violets: High in vitamin C and can help soothe coughs and sore throats
  • Roses: Rich in vitamin C and can help improve digestion

In addition to their health benefits, growing edible flowers can also be a sustainable and eco-friendly practice. By growing your own food, you can reduce your carbon footprint and support local ecosystems. Edible flowers also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are essential for a healthy ecosystem.

Conclusion

Growing edible flowers is a simple and rewarding practice that can provide a valuable source of food in times of crisis. By choosing the right flowers, preparing your soil, and following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of colorful and nutritious blooms. Whether you are living off the grid, preparing for a disaster, or simply looking to grow your own food, edible flowers are a valuable addition to any survival garden.



The lesser-known side of Growing edible flowers

  1. Edible flowers have been used in cooking for thousands of years, with evidence dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans.
  2. Many common garden flowers are edible, including pansies, nasturtiums, violets, and marigolds.
  3. Edible flowers can add flavor and color to salads, desserts, cocktails and other dishes.
  4. Some edible flowers also have medicinal properties; for example chamomile is known for its calming effects while calendula has anti-inflammatory properties.
  5. Growing your own edible flower garden can be a sustainable way to supplement your diet during times of food scarcity or disaster preparedness situations.
  6. When selecting which varieties of edible flowers to grow it’s important to research which ones are safe for consumption as some may be toxic if ingested in large quantities or prepared improperly