Incorporating Edible Flowers into Your Fall Recipes
Posted By Allen's Flower Market On Thursday, 24 October 2024 Back
Incorporating Edible Flowers into Your Fall Recipes
Make Your Fall Dinner Parties Glow
Fall is the perfect time to experiment in the kitchen with the warm, cozy flavors of the season. It’s time to let the steam rise and make room for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to take center stage. In the spirit of the harvest season and the abundance of nature this time of year, we love the idea of adding edible flowers to offer a unique and surprising twist to your autumn dishes. Edible flowers add lush pops of color to salads, soups, casseroles, cakes, and desserts while also introducing subtle floral notes to the meal’s palette.
Pairing Beauty with Deliciousness
Edible flowers have been used for centuries to complement cooks’ creativity, not to mention the use of flowers in folk remedies for their health benefits. They add a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re using them as a garnish or integrating them into the dish itself, edible flowers are easy to integrate and will make your meals photo-worthy.
Not only are these flowers delicious, but many also come with beneficial properties. For instance, marigolds are known to be rich in antioxidants, while lavender is famed for its calming and stress-relieving properties.
Popular Edible Flowers for Fall Recipes
There are hundreds of different types of edible flowers, but a few work particularly well with fall recipes. For instance, a California favorite is the charming nasturtium. With a slightly peppery taste, nasturtiums are a great addition to fall salads or as a garnish for roasted vegetables. They also pair well with soft cheeses, like goat cheese or brie, making them a lovely choice for fall charcuterie boards. You find either bold purple or bright orange nasturtiums – both are a lovely addition to a Fall salad.
Another favorite is the delightful calendula flower. Calendula petals have a slightly bitter and peppery taste that works well with savory dishes. You can sprinkle them over roasted vegetables or soups for added color and flavor. They can also be used in baking or as a colorful topping for homemade bread.
Some of our favorite garden herbs will flower if you give them enough time to grow. For instance, rosemary produces tiny blue or purple flowers that are edible and can be used to garnish roasted meats, potatoes, or bread. The flowers have a similar but milder taste compared to the herb, making them perfect for subtle flavoring. Is your sweet tooth calling? Lavender adds a soft floral note to desserts, and it pairs wonderfully with the flavors of honey and lemon. Bake a simple honey cake and infuse it with lavender. Garnish with lavender flowers and serve with a drizzle of warm honey for a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant.
How to Safely Use Edible Flowers
While edible flowers are a fun and creative addition to your recipes, it’s essential to incorporate them safely. Try to find organic flowers that are grown without pesticides or chemicals. Try to purchase them from reputable sources or from a farmer’s market vendor.
While Allen’s Flower Market does not supply any culinary flowers, we love the idea of bringing flowers into your Fall meals in more ways than one! Create that extra something special at your Fall dinners with a magical fall centerpiece. For instance, our Organic Expressions arrangement is perfect for Fall, blending warm autumn hues with classic fall blooms. It features a mix of pincushion proteas, kale, and autumnal greenery arranged beautifully in a rustic wooden cube vase. For a pastel take on Fall, the Autumn Glow bouquet perfectly embodies the lightness of transitioning from summer to fall. Or, go bold with Cali Autumn, an option that offers a burst of fall colors, including orange roses, pink carnations, and red alstroemeria, symbolizing the beauty of a fall sunset. It’s a simple yet stunning piece that works well for both casual gatherings and elegant dinner parties.
These fall beauties are all available at Allen’s Flower Market, your one-stop shop for seasonal charm any time you want to set an elevated mood. Allen’s Flower Market has locations in Long Beach and Los Angeles and offers same-day delivery for maximum convenience. Visit one of our floral workshops or place an online order today.