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List of edible flowers facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Did you know that some flowers are not just pretty to look at, but also yummy to eat? Edible flowers have been used for centuries in cooking, adding unique flavors, colors, and textures to dishes. From sweet desserts to savory salads, these floral delights can make your food exciting and beautiful. But remember, not all flowers are safe to eat, so it's super important to know which ones are okay before you try them!

What Are Edible Flowers?

Edible flowers are blossoms that are safe for humans to consume. They can be used in many ways, like in salads, drinks, main courses, and desserts. These flowers can add a special touch to your meals. They often bring a fresh, sometimes peppery, sweet, or herbal taste.

Why Eat Flowers?

People eat flowers for several reasons. First, they can make food look amazing. Imagine a salad with bright purple or yellow petals! Second, they add interesting flavors that you might not find in other ingredients. Some taste like honey, others like mint, and some even like cucumber. Third, some edible flowers also have vitamins or other good stuff for your body.

Safety First: Important Tips!

It's really important to be careful when trying edible flowers. Not all flowers are safe to eat, and some can even be harmful.

  • Know Your Flowers: Only eat flowers you are 100% sure are edible. If you're not sure, don't eat it!
  • Avoid Sprays: Never eat flowers that have been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals. This includes flowers from florists, nurseries, or roadsides.
  • Grow Your Own: The safest way to get edible flowers is to grow them yourself, without any chemicals.
  • Wash Them: Always wash your flowers gently before eating them.
  • Allergies: If you have allergies to pollen or certain plants, be extra careful. Try a small amount first to see how you react.

Common Edible Flowers

Here is a list of some popular edible flowers you might find or grow. They come in many colors and offer a variety of flavors.

Scientific Name Flavor Color Common Name
Abelmoschus esculentus Vegetal Medium-yellow Okra
Anthriscus cerefolium Herbal White Chervil
Asparagus officinalis Vegetal Green Asparagus
Bellis perennis Mildly bitter White Daisy
Borago officinalis Anise Lilac Starflower
Brassica oleracea Spicy Green Cabbage, etc.
Bauhinia purpurea Sour Purple Purple bauhinia, butterfly tree, orchid tree
Calendula officinalis Slightly bitter Yellow, orange Marigold
Centaurea cyanus Vegetal White, pink, blue Cornflower
Chrysanthemum Strong Wide range Chrysanthemum
Cichorium intybus Herbal Blue Chicory
Cucurbita pepo Vegetal Yellow Squash, etc.
Cymbopetalum costaricense Spicy White
Cymbopetalum penduliflorum Spicy White Sacred earflower
Dianthus Sweet clove Wide range Carnation
Eruca sativa Spicy White Arugula
Foeniculum vulgare Mildly anise Yellow-green Fennel
Galium odoratum Sweet, nutty, vanilla White Woodruff, etc.
Helianthus annuus Varies Yellow Sunflower
Hemerocallis Vegetal, sweet Wide range Daylily
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Cranberry-like Rose, red Chinese hibiscus
Lavandula Sweet, perfumed Lavender Lavender, etc.
Levisticum officinale Celery White Lovage
Lonicera japonica Sweet White to pale yellow Japanese honeysuckle
Malus Floral White to pink Apple, etc.
Matricaria recutita Sweet apple White Camomile
Mentha Minty Purple Mint, etc.
Monarda didyma Minty, sweet, hot Wide range Bergamot, etc.
Musa spp. Vegetal White, yellow, pink Banana blossom
Ocimum basilicum Herbal White, lavender Basil
Passiflora Vegetal Purple Passion flower
Pelargonium Varies Wide range Geranium
Phaseolus vulgaris Vegetal Purple Common bean
Phalaenopsis Watery Varies Moth Orchid
Rosa Perfumed Wide range Rose
Rosmarinus officinalis Herbal Blue Rosemary
Salvia elegans Sweet, fruity Red Pineapple sage
Salvia officinalis Herbal Purple-blue Common sage
Sambucus canadensis Sweet White American elderberry
Syringa vulgaris Varies Lavender Lilac
Tagetes patula Bitter Yellow, orange French marigold
Tagetes tenuifolia Spicy, herbal Yellow French marigold
Taraxacum officinale Sweet, honey-like Yellow Common dandelion
Thymus Herbal White Thyme
Tilia Honey-like White Linden, etc.
Trifolium pratense Sweet Red Red clover
Tropaeolum majus Spicy, peppery Wide range Garden nasturtium, Indian cress, monks cress.
Tulipa Vegetal Wide range Tulip
Viola odorata Sweet, perfumed Purple, white Common violet
Viola tricolor Wintergreen Purple and yellow Heart's ease, etc.
Viola × wittrockiana Vegetal Wide range Pansy

How to Use Edible Flowers

You can use edible flowers in many creative ways in the kitchen!

  • Salads: Sprinkle petals over green salads for a pop of color and flavor.
  • Drinks: Add them to iced tea, lemonade, or even make floral ice cubes.
  • Desserts: Candied flowers can decorate cakes and cookies. Some flowers, like violets, are great in jellies.
  • Main Dishes: Squash blossoms can be stuffed and fried. Some flowers can be added to stir-fries or omelets.

See also

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List of edible flowers Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.