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| Eating Dandelions, Indiana Public Media |
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In this era of trying to control one's weight, salads are a primary feature of many meals. As with anything done too regularly, they can become tiresome. One thing I do for variety is add bits of different types of greens to the customary lettuce, such as kale, beet greens, spinach, and even a small amount of fresh lemon balm (it's an herb, so has a stronger flavor). Something I've wanted to try, but haven't, is adding flowers.
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| Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Texas A&M University |
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While a number of flowers are edible, some are definitely not edible or should only be eaten in small amounts. This is from the Wikipedia article linked above:
Some flowers are safe to eat only in small amounts. Apple flowers (Malus spp.) contain cyanide precursors and Johnny jump-ups (Viola tricolor) contain saponins. Borage (Borago officinalis) and daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) flowers are diuretics and sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) can have blood-thinning effects. The flowers of linden trees (Tilia spp.) are reportedly safe in small amounts but heavy consumption can cause heart damage. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can be harmful in large amounts, and only certain species have an appealing flavor.
Toxic flowers are easily mistaken for edible varieties, and safe and unsafe species may share a common name. Various non-toxic plants can cause severe allergies in some people. Flowers commonly carry traces of pesticides and harbor organisms such as insects. Flowers cultivated as ornamental plants for garden use are not intended for use as food.
Note that some non-toxic plants can cause severe allergies, so exercise caution and know your dinner guests. It's interesting to note that among the toxic plants listed at Wikipedia are kidney beans, lemons, wild potatoes, and rhubarb.
Apparently, "Edible flowers are the new rage in haute cuisine." There's some good info on what flowers and herbs can be used in this article from What's Cooking America. Especially helpful are the descriptions of what flavor to expect. I've heard often that dandelions are very beneficial.
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| Edible Flowers, What's Cooking America |
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If the idea of using flowers for cooking appeals to you, here's a recipe for "Spring Bouquet Popsicles." They're pretty, but do they taste good?
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| Flower Popsicles, Marla Meridith Photography |
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-- Marge
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