Edible flowers have been used in cooking and baking for centuries, adding not only beautiful color and visual appeal to dishes but also unique flavors and health benefits. From the calming aroma of lavender to the delicate sweetness of rose petals, edible flowers have earned their place in culinary traditions around the world. In this post, we’ll dive into the history of edible flowers in baking and explore the many benefits they bring, from enhancing flavors to offering health advantages.
The Rich History of Edible Flowers in Cooking
The use of flowers in food dates back to ancient civilizations, where they were prized for both their beauty and their medicinal properties. In ancient Greece and Rome, flowers such as roses, violets, and chamomile were often used in culinary dishes and herbal remedies. They were believed to have healing properties, and their delicate flavors were incorporated into everything from teas to pastries.
In medieval Europe, edible flowers made their way into royal kitchens and were used to decorate cakes, pies, and other desserts. For instance, roses were commonly added to sugar confections and wine, while lavender found its place in cakes, cookies, and even savory dishes.
In Asia, particularly in China and Japan, flowers like chrysanthemum and lotus have long been used in teas and food for both flavor and medicinal purposes. The tradition of incorporating flowers into recipes continues to thrive today in many parts of the world, as more people rediscover the natural beauty and benefits of flowers in their kitchens.
Why Edible Flowers?
There’s more to edible flowers than just a burst of color on a plate. They’re not only visually stunning, but they also pack a punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. The mild floral notes in flowers like lavender, chamomile, and rose petals can enhance your baked goods in subtle yet impactful ways, offering a new depth of flavor that goes beyond traditional ingredients.
The Benefits of Edible Flowers in Baking
- Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender is one of the most popular edible flowers in baking. Its soothing aroma has long been used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and promote relaxation. When added to baked goods, lavender imparts a light floral note that pairs beautifully with ingredients like honey, lemon, and vanilla. Lavender is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help promote skin health and digestion. Don’t have any lying around your kitchen? Get organic dried lavender buds chamomile from our shop.
- Chamomile: Chamomile is another flower that has a rich history in both culinary and medicinal traditions. Often used in teas to calm nerves and promote sleep, chamomile brings a gentle, apple-like flavor to baked goods. Chamomile is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects, making it a great addition to recipes aimed at reducing stress and boosting overall well-being. You’ll find organic dried chamomile flowers in our shop.
- Rose Petals: Rose petals have been used in cooking for centuries, especially in Middle Eastern and European cuisines. Known for their sweet, slightly tangy flavor, they make a wonderful addition to cakes, cookies, and syrups. Beyond their culinary appeal, rose petals are packed with vitamins A and C which help maintain healthy skin and support the immune system. The mild astringency of rose petals also helps balance sweet recipes, providing a touch of complexity. You can purchase organic dried rose petals from our shop.
- Other Flowers: Beyond the three aforementioned flowers, many other edible flowers like violets, hibiscus, and jasmine are used in various cultures for their medicinal and culinary properties. Hibiscus, for example, is often used in teas and has been linked to reducing high blood pressure, while jasmine can help relieve stress and enhance mood.
The Modern Trend of Floral Flavors in Baking
In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in edible flowers, as more bakers and chefs experiment with floral flavors in their recipes. From floral-infused macaroons to lavender shortbread cookies to lavender-infused pancakes, flowers are showing up in all kinds of baked goods. The unique flavor combinations they offer can elevate simple treats into something truly special.
Baking mixes that incorporate edible flowers allow you to recreate this trend easily at home. Whether it’s a mix for lavender lemon cupcakes, chamomile scones, or rose petal tea cake, these ingredients provide an exciting and aromatic twist on traditional baked goods. Not only do they enhance the taste, but they also make your treats visually stunning, with vibrant petals adding a touch of elegance.
How to Use Edible Flowers in Your Own Baking
If you’re new to using edible flowers in your baking, it’s important to know a few key things. First, ensure that the flowers you’re using are safe for consumption and free from pesticides and chemicals. You can find edible flowers in our baking mix collection.
When using flowers in baking, they can be incorporated in a variety of ways:
- Infused into liquids: Lavender, chamomile, and other flowers can be steeped in milk, butter, or even water to infuse their flavor into your baked goods. Our Lavender Simple Syrup is a great example of this!
- Used whole or chopped: Petals can be added directly into batters and doughs for flavor and texture.
- As decoration: Fresh or dried petals can be used to garnish cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, adding a beautiful pop of color.
Ready to Bake With Edible Flowers? Let’s Go!
Edible flowers bring much more to the table than just a pretty aesthetic. They add distinctive flavors, enhance the health benefits of your baked goods, and carry with them centuries of culinary and medicinal traditions. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a calming lavender-infused cookie or enjoy the delicate floral notes of chamomile in a scone, there’s no better time to experiment with flowers in your baking. So next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget to add a touch of nature’s beauty and flavor to your creations!
Check out our entire edible flower baking mix collection!