Hot news, ladies! Here is a small interjection to challenge you regarding a subject of the utmost importance... Countdown started...Drumroll…The suspense is at its height... Unbearable it is... But the longer the wait, the sweeter the flavor... Mmm, your taste buds will soon be swooning... But yes of course, it's about reviving your palate with ingredients that are as tasty as they are elegant! You might have guessed it by now (the title kind of gives it away), I'm going to talk about edible flowers to make you salivate!
1. The Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) which should not be taken lightly!
The nasturtium should not be taken lightly, because in fact, it is simultaneously as strong in taste as it is spicy! Its peppery flavor makes it a great ally for your savory dishes. But... Wait... I'm being told in my earpiece that the spur of these flowers has a flavor that is both sweet and salty. Um… Spur? But what is it? you would ask me? The spur of a flower is simply an extension of the corolla (set of petals) or the calyx (set of sepals). Well… For the petals, no problem understanding, but it is less common to hear the term “sepal”. A definition of this said in order, my little flowers of the heart! So, the sepals are one of the elements that constitute the flower, these are often green and are located below the petals. It's up to you to play the role as botanists, because after the theory, the observation! A short stroll is in order.
This flower with its limitless character, has multiple culinary uses. You are spoiled for choice! Whether to garnish salads, or to add them to your butter, your drinks, your vinaigrettes, your soups or your omelettes, nasturtium flowers offer you divine combinations to enhance your dishes.
2. Open your eyelets to the Violets (Viola odorata), the star!
Violet, adorned with delicacy and voluptuousness thanks to its exquisite floral taste, leads us into our memories of confectionery in days gone by. Its sweet taste, obviously due to the nectar produced by its intrafloral nectaries, makes it a great friend for cakes and sweet dishes. After crystallizing them with sugar to adorn your magnificent plates, violets can also add a great asset to your recipes! Whether in syrups or sauces, lemonade or candy, you will enjoy the twist they give to your cuisine.
Be careful, however, these fragrant flowers (hence the name of this species!) will only keep for about two days, if and only if, they are placed in a bowl of water. They can also be dried for use later on.
3. Have courage and forage for borage (Borago officinalis)!
Borage hides an ocean with its maritime flavor and its bright blue petals. In fact, it is known for its oystery taste, due to its iodized flavor. And yes, vegans and vegetarians also have the right to their delicate and luxurious dishes too!
Regarding the use of these pearls of nature, they are often eaten fresh, but we can also use them as a spice! The plant can be used in omelettes, salads, is great with green beans and so on. The challenge is to savor borage in many different ways, in order to capture all its nuances, and thus, achieve the best possible marriage with your dishes... On your marks, taste, cook!
4. No debate possible, the Acacia flower (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a hit!
The Acacia flower is adorned with a sweet flavor. Its smell directly reminds us of acacia honey, one of the finest and sweetest honeys that exist. This is why it is generally used in sweet dishes. In fact, traditionally, these flowers are incorporated into a sweet donut batter or tempura. But what is “tempura”? A tempura (a kind of Japanese batter) is actually a donut dough where there is hardly any milk or baking powder. Just flour, water, an egg and a pinch of salt are enough (depending on the quantities of tempura desired of course!).
Your taste buds will be awakened and scandalized by so much sweetness and unctuousness in the face of all the different recipes that can beat anyone else’s hands down!
And so there you go, my little bouquets garnis! A variety of uses is possible...By dressing plates or as a central food item in the dish. Whatever the menu, flowers always enhance the presentation and bring a unique taste to your dishes! Just make sure you know that your flower or plant is edible and that you truly know what it is!
