Edible flowers

I would like to try cooking with flowers.Does anyone have local recommendations for supplies?I appreciate the help.TIA.

hattyn wrote:I would like to try cooking with flowers.Does anyone have local recommendations for supplies?I appreciate the help.TIA.

Most of the time, I think flowers are used more as an edible garnish rather than something that's actually cooked.

One exception would be squash blossoms, which are often stuffed and baked, or stuffed and battered then deep fried. Sometimes I see them at People's Market on Chicago, Ev, or at Marketplace on Oakton, Skokie. Another interesting exception is banana flowers, which I've seen at the latter on rare occasions.

As a garnish or salad addition, I particularly like nasturtiums. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a taste kinda like watercress. I've seen the flowers on occasion at People's Market. But I think a better option is to get a flower pot and stick some seeds in (might help if you used some potting soil too, and have a sunny window).

Here's a reference that I like on edible flowers:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFl ... rsMain.htm

and a good source for interesting seeds:

http://www.seedsavers.org

HI,

Today I was at a holiday luncheon with friends from Culinary Historians. The conversation drifted into edible flowers. One woman advised going to an affair where flowers were part of a dish presentation. She immediately recognized these were not in the list of known edible flowers; though maybe these were new to her. She asked the waiter to verify if these were indeed edible flowers. They advised there were not and immediately alerted those assembled not to eat the flowers. Edible flowers were intended but none were available, so someone ran out to buy anything floral to finish the plate. Several of us remarked if not forewarned, we would have simply eaten the flowers.

Some years ago, Gourmet Magazine featured a wedding cake on their cover with fresh Lily of the Valley. Someone belatedly advised these are not edible flowers. There were press releases, letters and eventually a custom sticker to place over the errant advice in the magazine.

Unless you really know what you are doing, then I offer the advice I offer eager mushroomers: when in doubt, don't.

Cathy2 wrote:Some years ago, Gourmet Magazine featured a wedding cake on their cover with fresh Lily of the Valley. Someone belatedly advised these are not edible flowers. There were press releases, letters and eventually a custom sticker to place over the errant advice in the magazine.

Unless you really know what you are doing, then I offer the advice I offer eager mushroomers: when in doubt, don't.

Another reason to grow your own (but not lilies of the valley - just known edibles); especially if they're from organic seeds; it's not that tough.

You can purchase edible flowers from the produce department at Whole Foods near Lincoln, Belmont & Ashland.

.....doesn't matter if you grow your own, grow them organically, hydroponically,or whatever - they are highly, highly toxic, meaning both the leaves and the flowers. Stay away, other than for smelling purposes, and for the love of God, DON'T have little nosegays of them around the house in the spring if you have pets or kids! Quite the attractive nuisance...

Old, old topic, but has anyone seen mixed packages of edible flowers for sale in stores, preferably on the north side of the city? We're having a dinner party, and I thought a few edible flowers might be nice for one of the salad courses.

I know I've seen them at Whole Foods but no idea if they still have them. Plum Market or Eataly might be options as well. Other than WF, can't think of any places on the north side. And I'd definitely call first.

Thanks. By the way, it was a salad from Maria Elia's excellent Greek cookbook, Smashing Plates, that sent me on the search.

-rtb

boudreaulicious wrote:I know I've seen them at Whole Foods but no idea if they still have them. Plum Market or Eataly might be options as well. Other than WF, can't think of any places on the north side. And I'd definitely call first.

I've seen them there too but it's a bit hit and miss . . . best to call around . . . the huge one (off North Avenue) may be your best bet.