A Green Idea: Edible Flowers

Have you ever eaten a flower? Edible flowers are a beautiful, eco-friendly way to add something a little extra to your wedding reception. You can use edible flowers as table centerpieces, on your buffet, and/or as a garnish, for a few examples. Think of it this way: If you’re going to be purchasing flowers, why not have them be a part of the menu, as well? Your budget will thank you, but you’ll also be providing a unique twist to your celebration.

Be sure to shop local first – Windsor, Chatham, Sarnia, and London Ontario are filled with some of the worlds best flower growers!

If you’re unsure of the notion, and have no clue what types of flowers are edible or what they might taste like, check out the following list of possibilities to get some ideas:

1. Broccoli Flowers: Yes, the vegetable broccoli! The broccoli bloom is dainty in size and shape, has a white to pale yellow hue, and is beautiful in appearance. These blooms have a delicate broccoli flavor, so the taste will be a familiar one to your guests.

2. Carnations: A favorite flower of many, carnations can be used in a variety of edible ways. They can be steeped in wine, used as a decoration/garnish to sweets, and/or mixed in with desserts. The petals are sweet in flavor, but the white base of the flower has a bitter taste when eaten alone.

3. Chamomile Flowers: Known more as an herb, chamomile is a sweet tasting flower that works quite well as a garnish for salads, some types of soups, and a variety of sweets. The flower itself has a yellow center surrounded by delicate white petals.

4. Gardenias: This rose-like bloom is very fragrant and has a mild, sweet flavor that is sure to please most palates. Gardenias are a terrific look for weddings because of their similarity to roses and their larger size.

5. Hibiscus Flowers: A wonderful choice for a Christmas or Valentine’s Day wedding, the hibiscus flower has medium to deep red petals, is of medium size, and has a sweet, nectar-like flavor.

6. Honeysuckle Flowers: These small blooms are an edible favorite with their sweet honey scent and taste. Small in size, the color of honeysuckle ranges from a creamy white to a warm gold.

7. Jasmine Flowers: Also white to golden in hue, jasmine flowers are an excellent choice if you’re looking for an intensely fragrant bloom. Their flavor is light and floral.

8. Pansies: Available in a wide variety of bright colors, such as blue, purple, red, and yellow, the pansy is a sweet treat that is often used as an accompaniment to desserts.

9. Pea Blossoms: Another vegetable flower, pea blossoms are slightly sweet and crunchy with a mild pea-like flavor. These flowers are usually white, small, and delicate.

10. Roses: Ah, the most favored flower for weddings. Roses are an elegant, romantic, and sophisticated choice. Roses are more sweet than savory, and have an undertone of flavors ranging from a slight minty taste to a rich spice. As a hint: the darker the shade, the stronger the flavor.

There are many, many other varieties of edible flowers available, so ask your florist and/or search online for more ideas. The key is to ascertain that any flowers used as an edible accompaniment are grown organically and have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

Don’t be afraid to try something new and different with your eco-friendly wedding. After all, what could be more eco-friendly than conserving money by doing double duty with your flowers?

Tags: Windsor Chatham Sarnia London Ontario Green Eco-Friendly Wedding Edible Flowers Ideas