The Best Edible Flowers and How to Use Them - Kings Seeds

Edible flowers are a beautiful way to elevate your meals with stunning visuals, delightful flavours and even some added nutritional benefits. Their vibrant colours, unique textures and delicate tastes can completely change both savoury and sweet dishes into surprising culinary works of art. In this guide, discover the best edible flowers to grow in your garden and learn how to incorporate them into your inspiring culinary creations.

 

Types of Edible Flowers and Their Uses

Calendula (Pot Marigold)

Super bright and cheerful calendula flowers range from golden yellow to deep orange. Their slightly spicy, peppery taste makes them a great addition to salads, soups and rice dishes. Rich in antioxidants, they also offer potential health benefits. Try using calendula petals as a vibrant garnish or infused into oils for a pop of colour and mild spice.

Borage

Known for its striking star-shaped blue flowers, borage has a refreshing cucumber-like flavour. This makes it an excellent choice for salads, cold beverages and cocktails. Freeze them in ice cubes for a stunning visual effect in summer drinks, or sprinkle them over yogurt for an unexpected twist.

Nasturtium

Are you wondering... "Are nasturtium flowers edible?" Absolutely! These bold orange, red and yellow flowers have a zesty, peppery flavour reminiscent of rocket. They work beautifully in salads and sandwiches and as an eye-catching garnish. Nasturtium leaves are also edible, adding a spicy bite to your dishes. The seeds are also known to make an excellent substitute caper if pickled.

Roselle

Roselle flowers and plants are not only visually stunning with their deep red hue, but they also have a tart, cranberry-like flavour. Often used in herbal teas, jams and syrups, they bring a delicious tang and colour to beverages and desserts. Try steeping dried roselle petals to create a refreshing iced tea.

Butterfly Pea Flower

Famous for its mesmerising deep blue colour, butterfly pea flowers are a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are often used to dye foods and drinks naturally. The magic happens when you mix them with acidic ingredients like lemon juice—their colour transforms into a gorgeous purple! Perfect for teas, cocktails and baking.

Snapdragons (Antirrhinum)

With their unique shape and slightly sweet flavour, antirrhinum make an elegant decoration for cakes, pastries and salads. Their range of colours adds drama to any dish, making them a favourite among bakers and food stylists.

Violas and Pansies

Delicate and charming, violas and pansies come in various colours and sizes and have a mild, slightly sweet taste. They are ideal for cake decorating, adding flair to desserts and biscuits, and enhancing the look of salads. They press well for more extended storage, making them a versatile and easy-to-use floral addition.

Cosmos (Organic Bright Lights Mix)

Some varieties of cosmos flowers, such as our organic cosmos bright lights mix, are edible and known for their subtle, mildly spicy flavour and vibrant colours, but not all cosmos are safe to eat. It's essential to check and ensure that any cosmos flower you consume is indeed edible. Always verify the variety before enjoying it in dishes or as garnishes. They are a delightful addition to both sweet and savoury creations.

 

Creative Ways to Use Edible Flowers

Cocktails & Beverages

Edible flowers can take your drinks to the next level. Here are some edible flowers for cocktails. Try adding borage flowers to a gin and tonic or infusing butterfly pea flowers in vodka for a stunning colour-changing effect. Calendula petals bring a subtle spiciness to summer cocktails, while roselle flowers make a tangy, refreshing iced tea.

Salads & Savory Dishes

Brighten up your salads with the peppery bite of nasturtiums, the mild sweetness of violas or the refreshing crispness of borage. Edible flowers pair beautifully with fresh greens, goat cheese and citrus vinaigrettes. For something heartier, sprinkle petals over roasted vegetables or stir them into risottos for a burst of colour.

Desserts & Baking

From cakes to cookies, edible flowers can be used as stunning decorations or subtle flavour enhancers. Press violas or pansies onto sugar cookies before baking or decorate cupcakes with snapdragon petals. Infuse creams and syrups with calendula or butterfly pea powder for a floral twist on classic desserts.

Garnishes & Decorations

Sometimes, a simple garnish can turn an ordinary dish into a masterpiece. Scatter organic bright lights cosmos petals over a cheese platter, float borage flowers in a bowl of chilled soup or top a pavlova with vibrant nasturtiums for a show-stopping presentation.

 

Where to Buy Edible Flowers in New Zealand

If you want to start using edible flowers in your kitchen, the best option is to grow your own; you'll know they are spray-free and safe for eating. You can even grow them in containers right at your front door for double duty, both visually appealing and edible. Kings Seeds offers a fantastic selection of edible flower seeds suited for New Zealand gardens. For those looking for ready-to-use fresh flowers, many farmers' markets, specialty grocery stores and organic food suppliers may stock edible blooms.

 

Bring Beauty and Flavour to Your Table

Incorporating edible flowers into your meals is a simple yet impactful way to elevate your cooking. Whether you're crafting a refreshing summer drink, decorating a celebration cake or simply brightening up a salad, these flowers bring both beauty and taste to your dishes. Growing your own edible flowers ensures a safe, fresh, organic supply; where that isn't possible, sourcing them from reputable local vendors is also a great option.

So why not start experimenting today? With so many flavours, colours and possibilities, the world of edible flowers is a delicious and artistic adventure waiting for you to try.