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EDIBLE FLOWERS

EDIBLE FLOWERS

ANISE HYSSOP

(Agastache foeniculum)

DESCRIPTION

Sometimes called licorice mint, this is a wonderful herb with a licorice scent, both the leaves and the flowers. The individual flowers are a bluish purple on a tall flower stem. Anise hyssop grows in most parts of the United States in full sun or partial shade. Average, well-drained soil is the ideal place for anise hyssop to thrive in the garden.

SENSE APPEAL

The primary sense appeal is that its fragrance is close to that of anise – a mild licorice flavor, more anise than black licorice.

USES

Anise hyssop can be used as a substitution many times in a recipe. For a creamy licorice flavor in whipping cream, use the leaves and flowers instead of anise. For use in a cake recipe, use the flowers, chopped fine. The flowers are lovely candied for baked good decorations. See recipe for Anise Hyssop Syrup on p. 83.

Anise Hyssop

BE AWARE THAT…

If you are pregnant, be sure to research possible contraindications to using this herb.

APPLE BLOSSOM

(Malus hybrid)

DESCRIPTION

An apple tree in full blossom is a joy to behold. But unless there is an apple tree growing near you, you are not likely to encounter their lovely pink and white flowers. Depending on the variety of tree and your local climate zone, blossoms (and later, apples) will appear in late spring or summer, or early fall. Before you decide to plant an apple tree of your own, check with your local extension agent to see which varieties of apples do well in your area. A good, well-drained but moist soil is ideal. Full sun is necessary for adequate flower and fruit production.

SENSE APPEAL

Apple blossoms have a faint apple/floral scent to them. The fresh beauty of a spray of apple blossoms is reason enough to bring them inside.

Apple Blossom

USES

You can float apple blossoms in punch, crystallize them or sprinkle them over a spring salad for color and a subtle floral scent.

ARTICHOKE

(Cynara scolymus)

DESCRIPTION

These tall aliens of the garden thrive in almost all gardens. They need a pH of about 5.6 to 7.0 for a good crop. In milder climates, they can be considered a perennial vegetable. The part we eat is technically a bud. When the bud matures it opens to a purple flower, but the fully opened flower isn’t considered edible because of a lack of flavor.

SENSE APPEAL

Artichokes have their own unique flavor. Nothing else tastes quite like them. As a pleasant bonus, if you have a sip of water after a bite of artichoke your mouth will experience a lovely sweet sensation.

Field of Artichokes

USES

You can add a dipping sauce such as Hollandaise, clarified butter or whatever your heart desires. Whole artichokes can be stuffed with any number of tasty fillings, and their hearts can be pickled or marinated in Italian dressing. See recipe for Artichoke Chicken Salad with Jasmine Rice on p. 65.

BACHELOR BUTTON

(Centaurea cyanus)

DESCRIPTION

Also known as cornflower, bachelor button is most commonly seen as a blue flower, but there are other cultivars whose flowers are white, pink, lavender and even dark maroon. This is a very easy annual to grow. Practically pest free, these plants can be between 1 to 3 feet tall in the garden, so plant them in the back where they will provide a perfect foil for annuals and perennials, and their colorful flowers will stand up singly above the foliage.

SENSE APPEAL

Bachelor button has a light, sweet fragrance with a sweet, pleasantly spicy taste.

Bachelor Button

USES

The edible part is the beautiful petals. Add them to a salad or sprinkle on a cake.

BASIL

(Ocimum basilicum)

DESCRIPTION

Everything about basil is edible, both its leaves and its flowers. The plant’s thin leaves are a medium green with the shape varying between cultivars. It is best to pinch basil once it is growing in the garden to encourage it to become bushy. The flower spike can range from white to a purplish pink color, depending on which basil you are growing. Once the flower stalk is about ¾ blooming, you can harvest the flowers. Harvest early in the day for best flavor.

SENSE APPEAL

The wonderful flavor and fragrance of basil perfumes the air whether it is used fresh or dried. While there are many types of basil, including ornamental ones, we use edible basils such as ‘Genovese,’ ‘Sweet Large Leaf’ and ‘Lettuce Leaf.’ Always use an edible basil (rather than an ornamental one) for the best flavor. The flowers usually have a stronger flavor than the leaves.

Basil

USES

You can include both flower and leaves in most recipes that call for basil, from soups to breads to salads – although the flower should be used in a smaller quantity due to its intense pungency.