Flowers aren’t something you typically think of puttin in your cup holder but we insist you check out the info below:
If you are trying to be considerate of the environment and politically correct, but you cannot resist a beautiful flower arrangement or love sitting in the garden surrounded by flowers; try using edible flowers. There are many flowers that are not only quite lovely, they can also be eaten. Just make sure you do not confuse your flowers or have flowers that have been exposed to pesticides.
Many of the vegetables we grow in our gardens have blossoms that are also edible; such as artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, chives and chamomile. It is also possible to fill bed after bed with beautiful flowers that are edible; such as day lilies, honeysuckle, jasmine, pansies and, of course, roses. Let us not forget that violets, sunflowers and lilacs can all be eaten, as well.
Many of these flowers can be used to create exquisite edible arrangements. A dozen roses just took on new meaning when we realize that rose hips make one of the tastiest and most healthy teas available in the world. Citrus blossoms can make teas with recuperative powers while their blossoms appear to be most delicate. Honeysuckle and jasmine, while being two of the most fragrant familiar flowers, can both be made into tasty teas that encourage healthy digestion.
When we think of flowers simply as adornments for centerpieces or vases, we are forgetting that many of them have been ingested for centuries. We see their beauty but forget they have other qualities that make them even more valuable. The ancients used many of the everyday flowers that we take for granted, as healing teas and poultices. And many cultures today use flowers in cooking and baking.
When planning that perfect garden, do not forget to plant edible flowers along with your vegetables. When deciding about a unique gift for someone special, there is no nicer gift that says you care, than an edible arrangements. Finding just the right flowers may take a bit of research and shopping, but the result is certainly more than worth the effort.
