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Flowers are a beautiful addition to any table but sometimes you don’t need a vase. That’s because the flowers are on your plate.
Edible flowering plants like roses, marigolds, violas, and lavender can be grown in your garden or purchased from a market but make sure that they are free of pesticides. Edible flowers are a delicious, colorful, and healthy addition to your diet, according to Healthline.
Many varieties of edible flowers could support your health because they are full of nutrients and contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant compounds. Here are five healthy edible flower recipes that look almost too beautiful to eat.
Viola Tea Sandwiches
Holding tea parties is a growing trend on social media. Tiny tea sandwiches are all the rage. This recipe from Better Homes & Gardens takes a cream cheese tea sandwich and adds viola flowers on top for a beautiful presentation. Violas are edible flowers that include pansies and violets and come in several colors including yellow, purple, lavender, and white. To make these colorful and delicious tea sandwiches, you will need four slices of brioche, cream cheese, fresh lemon thyme, black pepper, and chopped violas. Top with thin slices of cucumber, thin slices of radishes, and whole viola flowers.
Flower-Filled Spring Rolls
Spring rolls are popular in many Asian cultures. But this recipe from edible San Fernando Valley makes brightly colored rolls that are a work of art. You will need rice wrap papers that can be found in an Asian market, edible flowers, chopped peanuts and almonds, pea shoots, rice noodles, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, red and green cabbage, microgreens, and cilantro. There are directions for two dipping sauces, a peanut soy sauce and sesame cilantro sauce.
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Green Salad With Edible Flowers
Perk up your salad with edible flowers. This baby leaf salad from Martha Stewart is simple and very easy to make. All you need is a package of baby greens, a package of violas or another edible flower – or around 50 freshly picked –, red-wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. You can prepare the dressing ahead of time.
Fried Squash Blossoms
While zucchini squash is a vegetable, it also has large edible blossoms. The plant usually flowers in July and these yellow blossoms are very popular in a variety of dishes. This recipe from the kitchn blog for fiori di zucca fritti –stuffed and fried squash blossoms – an Italian delicacy is easy to make. You will need stuffing 14-16 zucchini blossoms, ricotta cheese, one egg, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Watch this video to find out how to make this colorful and delicious dish.
Flower Focaccia
Homemade focaccia is also a food trend on social media but this flower focaccia recipe from the Savanah Bee Company will make a perfect Instagram post. You will need dry yeast, honey, all-purpose flour, olive oil, and sea salt for the focaccia base. The focaccia is topped with edible flowers – bachelor’s buttons, micro star flowers –, chives, and spices.
