Eating Edible Flowers in Saskatchewan

Last week we posted a blog called “Growing Edible Flowers in Saskatchewan”. This blog provided the “how-to” tips on getting started and suggested some easy to grow edible flowers. The second part of this blog will include recipes and some easy ways to decorate baking with edible flowers.

Below are a couple recipes to get you started. Make sure to visit Mysask411 to find a grocer near you for the additional ingredients you will need.

Edible Flower Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup edible flowers, such as pansies, nasturtiums, and calendula
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the salad greens and edible flowers.
2. In a large bowl, combine the salad greens and flowers.
3. Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
• 6 cups water
• Edible flowers, such as lavender or pansies, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice and honey.
2. In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
3. Remove from heat and add the lavender flowers. Let steep for 10 minutes.
4. Strain the lavender water into the pitcher with the lemon and honey mixture.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
7. Serve over ice, garnished with edible flowers.

Chive Blossom Compound Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• ½ tsp fresh parsley
• 5-6 chive blossoms
• 1/8 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Unwrap butter and place in mixing bowl.
2. Wash the parsley and chive blossoms and pat dry.
3. Chop the flowers of the chive blossoms and the parsley.
4. Add the flowers, parsley and salt to the butter and mix well.
5. Leave the butter in a container or shape it into a log using plastic wrap.
6. Refrigerate until firm.

There are many recipes that incorporate edible flowers, and they can be used in both sweet and savory dishes or even just as edible decor.

Decorating baked goods with edible flowers is another beautiful and unique way to add color and flavor to your creations. If you want to try this, here are some steps to follow:

1. Choose flowers that are safe to eat and have a pleasant taste and aroma.
2. Rinse the flowers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Remove any stems, leaves, or pistils that may be attached.
3. Choose the right baked goods, edible flowers can be used to decorate a wide variety of baked goods, including cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and tarts.
4. Place the flowers on top of the baked goods in a visually pleasing arrangement. You can also scatter them around the edges or create a border.
5. Edible flowers have a delicate flavor that can complement or contrast with the flavors of your baked goods. Consider how the flavor of the flower will interact with the other ingredients in your recipe.
6. Keep in mind that some flowers wilt quickly when exposed to moisture. Store the decorated baked goods in a cool, dry place until ready to serve.

By following these steps, you can create stunning baked goods that are not only visually appealing but also delicious.

Our growing season in Saskatchewan can feel very short. It is important for me to incorporate nature into as many aspects of my life as I can, including food.  Sometimes just serving my family a glass of lemonade topped with lilac flowers adds the colour and flavour we need to make the drink extra special. Here’s to a healthy summer of growing!

• Sarah Elchuk is a Product Consultant on the Brand and Digital platforms Team at Directwest.