Which dried flowers are edible?
Edible dried flowers can be used in cooking and baking for added floral flavour and elegant aesthetic. But which ones are safe to eat, and how can you use them?
Flowers are everywhere, from your garden to the food you eat. In fact, they’ve been a culinary tradition for centuries, as a brilliant way to flavour tea or decorate cakes.
(Yep, they’re not just edible treats for your pet bunny or cat.)
But what about dried flowers?
Can humans eat them? And if so, what ones are the best?
Are dried flowers edible?
If your dried flower bouquet obsession has inspired you to decorate your wedding cake or birthday cookies with some floral garnish using the beauty of the outdoors, then you’re in luck.
Dried flowers are actually edible.
But what flowers are safe, and where can you find them?
Although searching for dried flowers online is easy, many people look for fresher dried flowers for their decorations for a better taste and aesthetic, meaning they like to dry out their own at home.
And if you’re anything like us, once you start using dried edible flowers, you’ll have them in cocktails, salads, soups, noodle dishes, and more.
How long do dried edible flowers last?
Whether you need edible dried flowers for a wedding cake, to dress up some drinks, or garnish a dessert, dried edible flowers are a trusty and elegant addition.
Some edible flowers can add a tasty flavour to a dish, while other blooms are a fancy décor that fits a theme, style, or event.
The best thing about edible flowers is that once they’re dry, you can store them in airtight containers for several months and return to them.
Edible dried flowers can be dried, frozen, sugared, or used fresh, depending on how you want the outcome to look, taste, and feel.
6 dried edible flowers
Lavender
Lavender is a small aromatic evergreen shrub of the mint family, used in perfumery and medicine thanks to its acclaimed calming effects and powerful scent.
The violet-coloured flower is eye-catching in culinary and popular amongst many.
This popular flower is seen on baked goods, in herbal teas, and in infused syrups, to name a few. Its flavour can be overpowering if used in large quantities, and the shrub is in recipes with sweet and savoury ingredients like berries, sage, and chocolate.
Hibiscus
Dried edible hibiscus flowers are well-known for their culinary and medicinal applications.
Some studies even show how hibiscus might help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
This dried bloom is a tropical plant or bush with large, bright flowers. And once their petals are dried, they release a tart, cranberry-like flavour.
You can eat this ornate blossom straight from the plant, but most use it in tea, relishes, jam, or salads.
Sakura
Dried and preserved Sakura is cherry blossom.
Sakura is a Japanese-style preservation process that requires salting and pickling the blossom in plum vinegar before drying.
Cherry blossom has a sweet fruity rose flavour that can sometimes be sour. Typically, it is used to make Sakura tea, which is drunk on special occasions like weddings and can be cooked with rice to create a colourful contrast whilst the rice absorbs the flowery aromas.
The powerful but natural pink colour looks beautiful as decorations on foods and in teas.
Rose petals
Did you know that there are over 150 species of rose?
The rose is a popular flowering shrub that comes in different shapes and sizes with a floral and slightly sweet flavour.
It is important to note that you should only eat the dried edible flower petals because the leaves and stems don’t make for an enjoyable snack.
Rose petals are eaten fresh, dried, and mixed into various desserts or green salads. And research suggests that roses might help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Pansies
Pretty pansies are stunning to look at and edible.
The gorgeous flowers, with their shades of purple, blue, and yellow, can make beautiful wedding or birthday cakes, pastry, or cookie decorations, and have a mild, fresh, and lightly floral flavour to accompany their aesthetic.
Dried pansies are also finely sprinkled on green salads for a pop of texture, flavour, and colour.
Better yet, pansies are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a floral herb used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine, helping to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
This dried flower is famous for its mild sedative properties and apple-like flavour and is a versatile cooking ingredient once you understand its properties and know how to use it.
Many people mix parts of the flower into porridge, cereals, salads, teas, ice cream, and custards. Also, for sweet lovers, it can make a great baking ingredient for cakes and other pastries.
Find the tastiest dried flowers online
Our dried flower bouquets are eye-catching and make life’s moments last forever.
If you want to buy a beautiful, dried flower arrangement with a purpose, The Last Bunch is the perfect place for you.
Pick your bunch, and we’ll handle the rest. It is that simple.
From magnificent Aurelia to jaw-dropping Jessie, you will find the right bunch for the occasion with us. And if you get peckish, you know what ones you can eat!
For more blooming good flower content, follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.
