Edible Botanicals Part 4 - Marigold Petals, Squash Blossoms, and Sage Flowers

​Here we are at our last edible botanicals installment. It has been so much fun writing about how to turn flowers and herbs into pure deliciousness. Here, we will wrap up with a small compilation of some tasty botanicals that you will want to try.

Marigold Petals
You can use the petals of the marigold plant in many different ways. As with the rose petal, make sure you remove the white area that connected the petal to the plant. The white area is bitter and can throw off the taste profile of your dishes.

You can add marigold to soups, salads, casseroles, and meat dishes. You will want to think savory when coming up with a recipe that is perfect for the addition of marigold. This flower has a peppery saffron like flavor that complements salty or spicy foods.

Squash Blossoms
I can think of nothing more extraordinary looking than a squash blossom on a plate. They remind me of some gorgeous sea creature – graceful and unique. And, there are some unique ways to use them in the kitchen.

Many people make fried squash blossoms. You can stuff them with cheeses, meats, and spices. Or, if you are reducing your intake of fried foods, you can stuff them full of whatever creative thing you can think of and bake them in the oven. However, there are other ways to enjoy this elegant blossom. You can add them to soups, stews, sauces. You can even add them to grilled cheese sandwiches, paninis, or quesadillas. Go wild and create something amazing.

Sage Flowers
The flowers of the sage plant are a delicate purple masterpiece. They taste like a milder version of the sage leaf, and you can use them in any recipe that you would add sage. Pork, chicken, and fish all would benefit from a garnish of sage flowers – not only is it tasty, but these petite flowers will add some serious appeal to your dish.

Add to soups, sauces, meat dishes – whatever makes you squeal with inventive glee. 
While you are flexing your artistic muscles, why not add sage flowers to a homemade cake? You could even combine with rose petals to create a gorgeous presentation that is difficult to resist. If you do this, please send me pictures!
 
The flowers I’ve mentioned in these posts are not the only ones you can add to your cuisine; they are just some of the most popular. Once you master the edible botanicals within these posts, get out there and try some new ones. Remember to research if the flower is edible before consuming, and ensure that you are using a plant that has not been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
​
I hope these posts have inspired you to create something delicious and amazing. I would love to hear what you’ve tried.