The Magic of Edible Flowers: Elevate Your Cakes and More!
Want to instantly impress your friends and family with a stunning (and delicious) creation? Say no more: EDIBLE FLOWERS!
If you’ve been growing edible flowers in your garden, I hope you’re reaping the rewards right now. If not, make sure to add these beauties to your planting list next spring! They’re perfect for dressing up fancy salads, freezing into decorative ice cubes, and— my personal favorite— using as elegant toppings for desserts.
Edible Flowers We Grow & Sell
We offer a variety of edible flowers that will take your culinary creations to the next level:
🌸 Borage – Gorgeous star-shaped blue flowers with a mild cucumber flavor.
🌸 Nasturtium – Peppery and vibrant, great for adding a punch to salads.
🌸 Gem Marigolds – Citrusy and colorful, a perfect garnish for sweet or savory dishes.
🌸 Calendula – Mildly tangy petals that add a pop of color to any meal.
🌸 Violas – Delicate and subtly sweet, ideal for cakes and drinks.
🌸 Flowering Herbs – Mint, lavender, and more—because herbs aren’t just for leaves!
The History & Benefits of Edible Flowers
Edible flowers aren’t just a modern foodie trend—they’ve been used for centuries in cooking and medicine! Ancient civilizations, from the Romans to the Chinese, incorporated flowers into teas, tinctures, and culinary masterpieces. Even Queen Elizabeth I was known to enjoy candied violets.
Health Benefits:
Many edible flowers are rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support overall health.
Some, like calendula, have been used for centuries to aid in digestion and skin healing.
Herbal flowers like lavender and chamomile can have calming, stress-relieving effects.
Borage flowers are packed with omega-6 fatty acids, promoting heart health!
Not only are these blooms beautiful and delicious, but they can also offer some unexpected health perks. Talk about a win-win! 🌿
How to Use Edible Flowers in Baking
There are endless ways to incorporate edible flowers into baking, but since it was my birthday recently, I went with the most fun and festive option— flower cake decorating! My boys helped me add some fresh blooms to my cake, and let me tell you, it was the cutest thing ever. We used:
🌿 Borage – Adds a beautiful pop of blue.
🌿 Lavender – For a fragrant and elegant touch.
🌿 Cucumber Blossoms – Tiny and adorable, making them the perfect garnish!
Not only did the cake look absolutely magical, but the floral flavors made it extra special!
Step-by-Step Guide to Decorating a Cake with Edible Flowers
Pick the Right Flowers – Make sure they’re organic, pesticide-free, and truly edible. (Not all pretty flowers belong on your plate!) Research which varieties pair best with your cake flavors— lavender and chamomile for a delicate taste, or nasturtium for a peppery contrast.
Wash and Dry Thoroughly – Gently rinse in cool water to remove any dirt or tiny critters. Pat dry with a paper towel and let them air-dry completely to prevent wilting or sogginess.
Prepare the Flowers – Remove stems and bitter parts if necessary. Some flowers, like calendula, have edible petals but a bitter center— pluck the petals for best results.
Choose Your Design – Scatter petals for a whimsical look, place whole blooms for a dramatic effect, or press flowers onto frosted cakes for a natural, artistic finish.
Apply Just Before Serving – Flowers will stay fresh and vibrant longer if added at the last minute. If using delicate flowers, store the cake in the fridge to keep them crisp without wilting.
More Ways to Use Edible Flowers
Beyond cakes, there are so many fun ways to use edible flowers in the kitchen:
🌺 Floral Ice Cubes – Freeze violas or nasturtiums into ice cubes for fancy drinks.
🌺 Candied Flowers – Coat petals in sugar for a beautiful (and tasty) garnish.
🌺 Herbal Teas – Brew fresh or dried blossoms like chamomile or lavender.
🌺 Homemade Jams – Add calendula or rose petals to jams for a floral twist.
🌺 Savory Dishes – Toss nasturtiums in salads or use marigold petals in pasta dishes.
Foraging & Ordering Edible Flowers
Planning to forage edible flowers from your own garden? That’s amazing! But before you do, always make sure you correctly identify what’s safe to eat. If you need help with identification, I’d love to assist.
Prefer to skip the guesswork? No problem! I can often pick a fresh box of edible blooms for you depending on the season. Many of our cut flowers are also edible, making it easy to add a gourmet touch to your meals and treats.
I’d love to dive deeper into the world of edible flowers, but for now, I’m happy to share my knowledge and help you discover what’s growing right in your own backyard!
Recipe: Edible Flower Cake
Want to make your own stunning floral cake? Here’s a simple and delicious recipe:
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups sugar
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
Edible flowers for garnish (borage, violas, or lavender!)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
Pour batter evenly into cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cakes completely before decorating.
Frost with buttercream and top with edible flowers for a magical touch!
Pictured Below:
💐 Gem Marigolds – Bright and zesty.
💐 Bachelor Buttons – Lovely blue blooms with a mild, grassy flavor.
💐 Borage – Crisp and cucumber-like.
💐 Violas – Delicate and sweet, perfect for any dessert.
Let’s bring a little extra beauty (and flavor!) into our kitchens, one petal at a time. Happy decorating! 🌸✨
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