Floral Flavours - Flower Power Series Part Two

Wander into the colourful world of edible flowers with this groovy episode from the "Flower Power" podcast series! In "Floral Flavours," I explore the delightful tastes and uses of sweet peas, dandelion flowers, caraway flowers, California poppy flowers, and clover flowers. Join in as we learn how these blooms can transform your culinary creations, offering not only vibrant colours but also unique flavours and nutritional benefits. From garden to table, learn how to incorporate these natural beauties into your dishes and beverages, and discover the traditional and modern ways people enjoy them. Perfect for food enthusiasts and flower lovers alike, this episode is packed with tips, recipes, and fun facts that will inspire you to embrace the floral bounty of nature.

Here are the detailed recipes for each edible flower dish:

Sweet Pea Flower Salad
Ingredients: A handful of fresh sweet pea flowers, mixed salad greens, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes (halved), crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice.
Instructions: Combine greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and feta in a salad bowl. Add sweet pea flowers. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently and serve fresh.

Sweet Pea Flower Ice Cubes
Ingredients: Fresh sweet pea flowers, water.
Instructions: Place one or two sweet pea flowers into each compartment of an ice cube tray. Fill with water and freeze until solid. Use in your favorite drinks to add a beautiful floral touch.

Dandelion Flower Fritters
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh dandelion flowers, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 beaten egg (Flax egg), 1 cup milk (Vegan Mylk) , salt to taste, coconut oil for frying.
Instructions: Combine flour, egg, milk, and salt to make a batter. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Dip flowers into batter and fry until golden. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Dandelion Flower Tea
Ingredients: ½ cup fresh or dried dandelion flowers, 1 quart boiling water.
Instructions: Place dandelion flowers in a pot or teapot. Pour boiling water over flowers and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy hot, perhaps with a touch of honey.

Caraway Flower Vinegar
Ingredients: Fresh caraway flowers, white or apple cider vinegar.
Instructions: Fill a jar with fresh caraway flowers. Cover with vinegar. Seal the jar and let it sit in a dark, cool place for 2-4 weeks. Strain out the flowers. Use the infused vinegar in dressings or marinades.

California Poppy Tincture
Ingredients: 1 ounce dried California poppy flowers and leaves, 5 ounces high-proof alcohol (like vodka or brandy).Instructions: Combine the poppy flowers and leaves with alcohol in a jar. Seal and shake. Store in a dark, cool place, shaking periodically for 3-4 weeks. Strain the mixture and store the tincture in a dark glass dropper bottle. Use a few drops in water or tea as needed for relaxation.

California Poppy Tea
Ingredients: 1-2 teaspoons dried California poppy flowers and leaves, 1 cup boiling water.
Instructions: Pour boiling water over the poppy flowers and leaves. Cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired. Drink before bedtime to aid sleep.

You can find this episode, edible flower seeds and other information at: https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/

See you in the garden!!