Flavour In Bloom. Flower Power Series Part Ten

In this edition of 'In The Garden With Susan', I talk about the following flowers, along with their tastes and how to use them.

1. Coreopsis

Taste: Mild, mainly used for visual appeal rather than flavour.
Uses:
- Salad Garnish: Add fresh petals to green salads for a burst of colour.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze petals in ice cubes for a decorative touch in drinks.
- Edible Flower Butter: Mix petals into softened butter for a colourful spread.
- Cake Decoration: Use fresh petals to adorn cakes and cupcakes.

2. Hyssop Flowers

Taste: Slightly sweet, herbal, with hints of mint and anise.
Uses:
- Hyssop Tea: Steep in hot water for a soothing herbal tea.
- Salads: Sprinkle over salads for colour and a minty flavour.
- Infused Vinegars and Oils: Use in infusions to flavour dressings or cooking oils.
- Baking: Incorporate into breads or cookies.
- Syrups and Cocktails: Create syrups for desserts or cocktails.

3. Canna Flowers

Taste: Slightly starchy, sweet, chewy texture.
Uses:
- Canna Flower Salad: Mix with greens and vinaigrette for a colourful salad.
- Stuffed Canna Flowers: Fill with cheese and herbs, then fry.
- Canna Flower Tempura: Batter and fry, serve with dipping sauce.
- Garnish: Use fresh or candied flowers to garnish dishes.

4. Dianthus Flowers

Taste: Sweet, spicy, reminiscent of cloves.
Uses:
- Salads: Add petals to salads for a spicy note.
- Desserts: Use as decoration on cakes and sweet treats.
- Drinks: Infuse in cocktails or teas.
- Sugaring: Candy petals for a sweet garnish.

5. Safflower

Taste: Slightly spicy, herbaceous, similar to a mild saffron.
Uses:
- Safflower Petal Rice: Cook rice with petals for colour and flavour.
- Safflower Tea: Brew petals for a unique herbal tea.
- Colouring and Flavouring: Use in dishes needing colour or a saffron-like flavour.

To see the site where I am building the Sun Oven Recipe books: https://sunovenvegan.com/

You can find this podcast on my website : https://gardenfaeriebotanicals.ca/

See You In The Garden!!