Edible Fruit Flowers

One of the most enjoyable aspects of gardening is to nurture and grow flowers and plants for multiple uses. Edible fruit flowers are among those types of plants that have more uses than you would at first think. These flowers, while not only looking great and smelling wonderful, can often add a measure of elegance to your dinning experience.

Here is list of some of the more common plants that are considered edible fruit flowers:

• Apple. While it may be more properly called a tree, the flowering blossoms on this wonderful tree are actually edible. While not dangerous if eaten in moderation, care does need to be exercised since many species of apple flowers may contain trace elements of cyanide precursors. This flower will have a delicate taste to it.
• Cornflower. This beautiful flower has a strong, clove-like taste. Many actually find this flower to be a little spicy.
• Lavender. Lavender is a popular flower due to its wonderful scent, and better yet if used properly it can also be edible. While the concentrated oil made from the lavender flower may be poisonous, if you use the flower as a garnish there will be a slight floral perfume flavor that is quite pleasant.
• Lilac. The wonderful-smelling flower of this long-favored bush can be a great edible flower. The flower of the lilac bush will have a pungent, though delicate lemony flavor.
• Primrose. While edible, care needs to be taken when using this plant in any recipes or as a garnish. The reason for this is that Birdseye Primrose can cause a dermatitis reaction. Stick to the common primula vulgaris and you will end up just fine, though with a bland to slightly sweet flavor.
• Rose. Believe it or not, roses taste just as good as they smell, with a sweet flavor. For the rose the stronger the aroma, then the stronger the flavor. Before using, make sure that you remove the bitter white portions of the rose petals.

While this is by no means a comprehensive list (it would take a book to list them all), it is a great basic primer. As always, though, before eating any kind of plant make sure that you know if you are allergic to that plant, and ensure that it has been washed and cleaned thoroughly.