Edible Flowers for Delivery or Pickup

When we think of flowers, the first things that come to mind are their beauty and scent. However, many types of flowers are edible, too, and they are even considered a delicacy in some types of cuisine. This article discusses a few of the more common edible flowers that may be available through Instacart!

Squash blossoms are harvested from any type of squash, such as zucchini, summer squash, or even some types of winter squash. Their appearance will vary depending on the squash variety. They have a delicate flavor and texture, tasting somewhat like the squash they would produce. Squash blossoms are commonly dipped in batter and fried, stuffed and baked, or used as an ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and other recipes.

As you might guess, banana flowers are the blooms that produce bananas. They are considered an exotic vegetable and are widely available in parts of the world where bananas grow, such as southeast Asia, and may be found in other regions in ethnic or specialty markets. Their flavor has been compared to hearts of palm or artichoke. Before eating, banana flowers must have the outer leaves stripped away. The inner parts of the flower are served in salads, soups, and stir-fries.

Lavender is best known for its lovely violet color and pleasant, calming aroma. There are many ways to incorporate lavender into foods, such as baked goods, herbal tea, infused syrup and vinegar, chocolate candy, and blends of dry spices. It can be used either fresh or dried. As a culinary herb, it blends well with various types of meat and fish. Lavender also enhances foods containing citrus and is delicious blended with sugar to use in lemonade.

A member of the mint family, bergamot is a perennial herb that is often grown for its beautiful violet blooms and pleasant citrus-like aroma. It produces a fruit that resembles a lemon, and this part is edible as well. It is most famously used as the distinctive flavor in Earl Grey tea. Bergamot flowers are aromatic and colorful and can be added to salads to give them an interesting flavor and festive flair. The whole plant is edible and is used to flavor vinegar, baked goods, candy, and other dishes, both sweet and savory.

Available in a wide range of colors, pansies are among the most popular edible decorative flowers available. All parts of the pansy blossom are edible, and their flavor has been compared to lettuce with a slightly spicy kick. This makes them ideal for adding extra color and pizzazz to salads, and they work great as a garnish on a plate with any meal.

Pansies are frequently used to decorate desserts, such as cakes. You can just press them directly into the frosting. They can also be candied, which allows them to stay fresh-looking longer. Although pansies are easy to grow, purchasing from a grocery or specialty foods market ensures they have not been exposed to pesticides or other chemicals.

Since flowers are delicate, it's important to buy only the freshest, most delicious edible flowers available. Here are a few tips: