Photos provided by Brew + Bloom
One example is Edmonton ’ s unique floral restaurant Brew + Bloom , which knows the value of incorporating flower blossoms in both their decor and their menu . They use flowers to add aromatic , visual , and flavour appeal to ninety per cent of their dishes . Nasturtium flowers add a peppery accent to most of their pasta dishes , while their sweet dishes get an acidic punch from begonia flowers . Violas and pansies add a grassy note to their summer menu while other dishes are enhanced with edible rose petals .
They use an array of fresh and dried flowers in the preparation of their drinks , including steeped solutions of dried cornflowers , hibiscus , and butterfly pea flowers , and fresh rose petals , violas , pansies , and begonias .
They ’ re able to source most of their blossoms locally in the spring and summer , and during the colder months they have suppliers in British Columbia and California .
Throughout the growing season , you may find culinary inspiration in your own backyard . My first attempt to use flowers from my garden was
a fabulous chive blossom vinegar made from the ample purple flowers that I normally pinch from my chives before they go to seed . After soaking the flowers in white wine vinegar for two weeks , I strained the mixture , poured the result into a thrifted bottle , and added fresh garlic cloves . This unique vinegar complemented my summer salads perfectly .
If you ’ re a tea drinker , hibiscus , lavender , dandelion , rose , and chamomile flowers can be used to make herbal teas with unique flavours and potential health benefits .
Hibiscus tea is known to be rich in antioxidants and may also have anti-inflammatory properties . Some studies suggest it may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels .
Dandelion tea may improve appetite and aid in digestion . Animal research has shown some anticancer properties as well as liver benefits .
If tea isn ’ t your thing , edible flowers can be infused in mixed drinks or used as garnishes to add colour and zest .
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