Monday 24 April 2017

[www.keralites.net] 25 Edible Flowers That Will Add Colour, Flavour And Nutrition To Your Food!

 

25 Edible Flowers That Will Add Colour, Flavour And Nutrition To Your Food!


Flowers can be used as an essential ingredient in a recipe, seasoning for a dish, or simply as a garnish. The thought of eating flowers seems a little strange at first, but you get used to it. Here's a list of some flowers that you may know, but never thought you could eat.


1. Roses


The king of flowers has a special place in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines. Roses contain phenolics, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. A rich source of vitamins, they help reduce the risk of heart diseases, cancer and diabetes. Looks like they're the king of healing too!


2. Hibiscus


Often used as a salad garnish, hibiscus or shoe flowers are also used to brew tea. Known to contain anthocyanins and antioxidants, they lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.


3. Marigolds


Popularly known as genda phool in India, marigolds are used by the Chinese to make tea. The flower is also used topically to heal wounds. It is loaded with the pigment lutein, which is known as the eye vitamin because it helps keep eye diseases at bay.


4. Mint flowers


Mint flowers taste, well – minty! The intensity of the flavour depends on the plant species. Mint is commonly used to improve digestion, fight nausea and headaches and enable weight loss.


5. Banana blossoms


Also known as banana hearts, these purplish-maroon flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. They are rich in fibre, protein and minerals like potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and magnesium.


6. Cilantro flowers


Cilantro (kotmir) flowers have the same grassy taste as the leaves. They should be used immediately or their flavour fades.


7. Ginger flowers


These white blossoms have a strong gingery flavour and aroma. They are used in aromatherapy oils and can be eaten raw or cooked.

8. Fennel flowers


Fennel (saunf) flowers have the same subtly spicy flavour as the seeds. High in plant compounds and antioxidants, they are commonly used in herbal remedies.


9. Radish flowers


Radish flowers come in pink, white or yellow varieties and are spicy, just like the root. They can help prevent cancer and treat problems like jaundice, piles and urinary problems.

10. Squash/pumpkin blossoms


Known as kadu in Hindi, these flowers have a very mild flavour and can be stuffed with herbs and spices. Low in calories, they are high in calcium, iron and Vitamins A and C.


11. Apple blossoms

 

Apple blossoms are the most popular among edible flowers, even though the benefits are unknown. They should only be consumed in small quantities; eating too many could be poisonous.


12. Oregano flowers


These pretty flowers have a more subtle flavour than the leaves. A medicinal plant, oregano has nutritious, antioxidant and disease preventing properties.


13. Sunflowers


These striking flowers have a bittersweet taste and are rich in Vitamin E. The entire flower can be steamed and eaten as is.


14. Basil flowers


Basil flowers come in a variety of colours, from white and pink to purple. They have a milder flavour than the leaves and are loaded with antioxidants and flavanoids.


15. Lavender flowers


This fragrant flower is used to flavour ice-creams and yogurts. However, it also acts as an antiseptic and can be used to get rid of dandruff.


16. Citrus blossoms

Citrus blossoms like orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit flowers are sweet and exceptionally fragrant.


17. Chamomile flowers



Known for its calming effects, chamomile is commonly added to tea. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and wound healing properties.


18. Jasmine flowers


A fragrant flower, it is usually blended with green tea or added to rice dishes and salads. It is said to have anti-carcinogenic and antiviral properties.


19. Violets


These pretty flowers have a sweet flavour and heavenly aroma. They can be added to salads and have been used traditionally to cure colds, coughs and sore throats.


20. Dandelions


Young dandelion flowers have a honey-like flavour and can be eaten raw or added to rice. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are believed to cure everything from acne, gall stones and liver problems to herpes, constipation and alcoholism.


21. Lilacs


These flowers have a citrusy floral scent and a slightly pungent flavour. They are used topically to heal cuts, wounds and rashes.


22. Carnations


These sweet and fragrant flowers have been used in several herbal remedies to lower stress and inflammation and cure gas and nausea. Eat only the petals and not the base.


23. Peonies


The lovely peony does not just decorate wedding corsages, but can also alleviate depression when eaten.


24. Pansies


These big, bright coloured flowers not only make a pretty picture, but are beneficial for your heart, kidneys and blood pressure as they're rich in potassium and other minerals.


 

25. Chrysanthemums

 


Like chamomile, chrysanthemums are often added to tea, in China especially. These flowers are high in antioxidants and minerals and have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.


What you need to remember:
• Eat only flowers that are known to be edible and have been grown without pesticides.


• Eat only the petals, not the stamens or filaments.

• If you are prone to allergies, then eat a little at first and watch out for any irritation.


__._,_.___

Posted by: Kakdi Raita <kakdiriata@gmail.com>
Reply via web post Reply to sender Reply to group Start a New Topic Messages in this topic (1)

Have you tried the highest rated email app?
With 4.5 stars in iTunes, the Yahoo Mail app is the highest rated email app on the market. What are you waiting for? Now you can access all your inboxes (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and more) in one place. Never delete an email again with 1000GB of free cloud storage.

KERALITES - A moderated eGroup exclusively for Keralites...

To subscribe send a mail to Keralites-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
Send your posts to Keralites@yahoogroups.com.
Send your suggestions to Keralites-owner@yahoogroups.com.

To unsubscribe send a mail to Keralites-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Homepage: http://www.keralites.net

.

__,_._,___

No comments:

Post a Comment