Edible flower

A number of plant species have flowers that can be consumed safely, in some cases only in small portions or specific parts. Otherwise they may be poisonous.

Certain flowers may be eaten as vegetables, used to make drinks, or as a flavoring. Notable flower products include artichokes, broccoli, capers, and saffron. Flowers are part of many regional cuisines, especially those of Eurasia.

A number of foods are types of flowers or are derived from parts of flowers. Other parts of the plants mentioned in this list may be poisonous.

Some flowers are safe to eat only in small amounts. Apple flowers (Malus spp.) contain cyanide precursors, and Johnny jump-ups (Viola tricolor) contain saponins. Borage (Borago officinalis) and daylily (Hemerocallis spp.) flowers are diuretics, and sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) can have blood-thinning effects. The flowers of linden trees (Tilia spp.) are reportedly "safe in small amounts", but heavy consumption can cause heart damage. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) can be harmful in large amounts, and only certain species have an appealing flavor.

Toxic flowers are easily mistaken for edible varieties, and unrelated safe and unsafe species may share a common name. Various non-toxic plants can cause severe allergies in some people. Flowers cultivated as ornamental plants for garden use are not intended for use as food.

Flowers may be eaten as vegetables as a main part of a meal, used to make drinks, or as a flavoring herb. Artichokes, broccoli, and capers are all immature, unopened flower buds. The costly spice saffron consists of the stigmas and styles collected from the inside of a Crocus sativus flower. Flowers are part of many regional cuisines, including those of Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Edible flowers are added to foods to provide flavor, aroma, and decoration. They can be eaten as part of a main dish or be incorporated into salads or cakes. Flowers can be used to make beverages such as tisanes and wines or added to drinks as flavorings. They are added to spreads such as butter or fruit preserves, as well as to vinegar, marinades, and dressings.

Flowers are also consumed for sustenance. Many flowers that are technically edible can be far from palatable. An example of a species with flowers that are of high nutritional value is the dandelion, whose flowers are shown to contain high levels of polyphenols and antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties.