Flowers have been part of the human diet for thousands of years! Some flowers which are commonly eaten as a vegetable are artichoke, cauliflower & broccoli. The flowers of most herbs can also be eaten.

Flowers can be used as a main ingredient or as a garnish... can be crystallized or dried, frozen or steeped in oil... used in salads & soups, or infused into drinks, jellies & tonics.

Flavours can range from 'delicate' to 'over-powering'. They add extra colour, texture & nutrition to many dishes. Some flowers also have medicinal properties!

Parts of the flower, other than the petals, may be toxic and the white/green 'heel' of the flowers is often bitter. Care should always be taken when introducing flowers into your diet, it is best to eat only a little at a time & be observant for possible allergic reactions.

Consult a good recipe book or wild food guide BEFORE attempting to gather, prepare or eat ANY flowers!!!

• Angelica
• Anise Hyssop
• Banana Blossoms
  

• Basil
• Bergamot
• Carnations

• Chamomile
• Chives
• Chervil
• Chicory
  
• Chrysanthemum
• Citrus blossoms
• Clover
• Coriander
  
• Daisies
• Dandelion
• Daylilies
• Dill
  
• Elderflower
• Fennel
  
• Fuchsia
  
• Garden Sorrel
• Garlic
• Ginger
  
• Gladiolus
  
• Hibiscus
• Honeysuckle
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Leek
  
• Lilac
• Majoram
• Mint
• Nasturtium
• Oregano
  
• Pansies
• Pea blossoms
  
• Peony
• Pot Marigolds
• Primrose
• Radish
  
• Rocket
  
• Roses
• Rosemary
• Runner Bean
  
• Sunflowers
• Squash Blooms
• Thyme
  
• Violet

Some flowers are toxic & many are only edible after careful preparation. Some flowers are not safe if eaten too often.

PARTICULAR CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT FLOWERS GATHERED ARE NOT MISTAKEN FOR THEIR POISONOUS COUNTERPARTS!

THOSE WHO HAVE CERTAIN TYPES OF ALLERGIES, OR HAY-FEVER, SHOULD TOTALLY AVOID CONSUMING THEM...OR INTRODUCE THEM GRADUALLY INTO THE DIET TO PREVENT SEVERE REACTIONS, ESPECIALLY FROM EATING POLLEN!

To prevent poisoning from pesticides, commercially grown flowers or those growing in the wild which may have been subject to treatment/pollution should not be consumed... if in doubt, do not eat!