Using flowers in food isn't new. However, it's getting more popular due to the plethora of health benefits they provide. There are several nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and healthy edible flowers. They, therefore, promote our health. They can be eaten fresh, sautéed with vegetables, fried as a snack, or dusted on desserts. On Valentine's Day, edible flowers can infuse colour, aroma, and taste into salads, soups, teas, entrees, desserts, and drinks.
From salads to desserts, there are plenty of ways to incorporate flowers into your cooking. Here are five ideas to get you started.
Flower Muffins & Cakes
These tiny-baked treats are a great way to add some colour and flavour to your Valentine's Day breakfast. To make flower muffins, start by blending a cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a vessel. Take a separate bowl and beat together two eggs and a cup of sugar. Once combined, add a cup of butter, half a cup of milk, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, fold in a cup of chopped edible flowers or petals of your choice. A few good picks are roses, lavender, nasturtiums, violets, daylilies and marigolds. Bake in a muffin tin at 350°F for 25 minutes. You can also check it by cooking until a toothpick is inserted in the centre, yet it comes out clean.
Blue pea flower cake, Image Source: Shutterstock
Flower Salad
This is an ideal choice for your sweetheart who swears for healthy foods. To respect his/her preference, prepare a salad. Spice up your salad with some edible flowers in sync with Valentine's Day's floral charm. Start by combining mixed greens with your choicest dressing and topping it with flower petals. You can choose any type of edible flower, but some favourites include calendula, pansies, and rose petals.
Flower Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a great way to boost energy in the morning and a healthy start to your day of love. To make flower yoghurt, blend a cup of sugar-free Greek yoghurt with a tablespoon of honey. Once integrated, add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rose petals and mix until they are evenly distributed. Keep it in the refrigerator to relish a chilled floral treat.
A bread served with yoghurt spread and flowers, Image Source: Pexels
Flower Ice Cream
Ice cream and romantic dates are synonymous. How about adding a floral tweak to it? Flower ice cream is a delicious way to bond over the goodness of blooms and creaminess of ice cream. To prepare it, mix a cup of heavy cream, a cup of sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk until combined. Use blue pea flowers for a rich colour. One can employ the washed fresh petals, extract them or dried flowers. You may also consider roses, chrysanthemums, hibiscus and lavender. Place the mixture in the freezer for 20 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Once thickened, scoop it and serve with dried flower petals.
Flower Tea
On Valentine's Day, flower tea is a great way to relax. To comfort your partner, make a calming floral tea by combining one tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers with one tablespoon of dried lavender flowers. Boil a cup of water. Now add the flower mixture. Simmer it for 10 minutes, and then strain the tea into a mug. You can also add honey or lemon for an extra dose of flavour.
Celebrate your day of love, i.e., Valentine's Day with the flower infused foods and drinks. You can use your creativity you may make several other delicious culinary fares.