🌸 Infusing Your Dishes with Floral Flavours: A Guide to Cooking with Blossoms

Edible flowers are more than just a garnish; they can elevate your dishes with unique flavours and vibrant colours. From sweet to savoury, here's how to incorporate them into your meals.

🌼 1. Lavender: Floral and Fragrant

Flavour Profile: Lavender offers a sweet, floral, and slightly herbal flavour.

Culinary Uses:

• Baked Goods: Infuse lavender into shortbread cookies or cakes for a fragrant twist.

• Beverages: Add to lemonade or cocktails for a refreshing floral note.

• Savoury Dishes: Incorporate into sauces or dressings for a unique flavour.

Tip: Use sparingly, as lavender can be potent.

🌺 2. Chamomile: Sweet and Apple-Like

Flavour Profile: Chamomile has a sweet, apple-like flavour with a hint of floral notes.

Culinary Uses:

• Teas: Brew chamomile tea for a calming beverage.

• Desserts: Infuse into custards or creams for a delicate flavour.

• Salads: Sprinkle petals over salads for a touch of sweetness.

Tip: Chamomile pairs well with honey and citrus.

🌻 3. Honeysuckle: Sweet and Fragrant

Flavour Profile: Honeysuckle offers a sweet, nectar-like flavour.

Culinary Uses:

• Syrups: Create a honeysuckle syrup to drizzle over desserts or mix into drinks.

• Jams: Combine with fruits to make a sweet jam.

• Garnishes: Use petals to garnish desserts or salads.

Tip: Ensure you're using edible varieties and avoid the berries, which can be toxic.

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🌼 4. Violet: Sweet and Floral

Flavour Profile: Violets have a sweet, floral flavour with a hint of grassiness.

Culinary Uses:

• Candied Violets: Use as a decorative topping for cakes or cupcakes.

• Violet Syrup: Add to beverages or desserts for a floral sweetness.

• Salads: Sprinkle petals over salads for a pop of colour and flavour.

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Tip: Violets are delicate; handle them gently to preserve their shape. Martha Stewart

🌹 5. Rose: Fragrant and Floral

Flavour Profile: Roses offer a sweet, aromatic flavour with hints of citrus and honey.

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Culinary Uses:

• Rose Water: Incorporate into baked goods, beverages, or ice creams.

• Rose Petals: Use in salads or as a garnish for desserts.

• Jams and Jellies: Combine with fruits to make a fragrant spread.

Tip: Ensure roses are organically grown and free from pesticides.

🌿 Tips for Cooking with Edible Flowers

• Source Carefully: Only use flowers labelled as edible from reputable sources.

• Preparation: Gently rinse flowers to remove any dirt or insects.

• Storage: Store flowers in a cool place and use them promptly to maintain their freshness.

• Moderation: Use flowers sparingly, as their flavours can be potent.

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🍽️ Sample Recipe: Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds

• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

• 3/4 cup honey or to taste

• Ice cubes

• Lemon slices and lavender sprigs for garnish

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Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Remove from the heat and add the lavender buds.

3. Cover and steep for 10 minutes.

4. Strain the lavender-infused water into a pitcher.

5. Add the lemon juice and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves.

6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

7. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and lavender sprigs.

Courtesy of Laura Grannary The Pantry Planner BLOG