Edible Flowers: Spring Is In The Air!
It's that time of year again, where we can hear the sounds of birds blissfully chirping at the dawn of day. The sun has finally come out of hibernation. The green foliage begins to peak its head at the drops of the morning dew. The flowers, too, venture to sprout through the fertile soil revealing its complex beauties and aromas. Could there be more to these majestic plants than meets the eye? Let's find out what Spring can offer us today from Paradise Fields Farms.
Calendula
This one probably one of the best known of the edible flowers, and for good reason. Also known as "Pot Marigold" (Calendula Officinalis), it has been historically used a child-friendly herb for creating soaps, diaper-rash solutions, tea compresses, oil extracts, and all things topical first aid. With a spicy taste mimicking saffron, it adds a beautiful variety of yellow to any salad dish. More than this, research has revealed remarkable properties to this common unobtrusive plant. It comes packed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumor and immunomodulating properties derived from its plenteous phytochemical constituents. (1) This makes it great when fighting infections like herpes virus or the fu, as well as a lymphatic cleanser. Jack pot!
The German Commission E. has given recommendation for its use as a treatment in skin and mucosal abrasions or injuries - usually administered to in the form of a salve or cream. (2) As a vulnerary, this Spring flower can make one powerful ally when addressing gastric inflammation like ulcers or even soothing vaginal tissue by promoting new cell growth. Due to its estrogenic and emmenagogue properties it can also serve to bring the menstrual cycle back to harmony:
"It can be used to help with menstrual issues such as delayed menstruation, cramping, excessive bleeding as well as pelvic congestion and infections (Trickey, 1998)." (3)
Calendula can also help you keep time!? Yes! If watched carefully, this phototropic flower will open wide its blossom around 9am in the morning to welcome the rising sun, and then close back up again around 3pm. No wonder, then, it was called the "Calender flower"!
Please note: as a precaution those allergic to ragweed should avoid Calendula, as well as pregnant or nursing mothers.
Nasturtiums
Next up is a rather pepper-flavored flower that adds a bright 'kick' to the meal and a smile to the eye. Characteristically, Nasturtiums are known for having a long, thin tail behind them with irregular-fanned leaves. Due to its spicy effect on the palate it is used as a remedy to clear the sinuses, much like horseradish. The fresh leaves can simply be dried and then sprinkled onto salads as a garnish or seasoning, or drank as an herbal teas for coughs and colds.
It is considered one of the best flower sources for antioxidant power due to it very high vitamin C, anthocyanin, polyphenols and mineral content. "Due to its rich phytochemical content and unique elemental composition, the garden nasturtium may be used in the treatment of many diseases for example the illnesses of the respiratory and digestive systems." (4) Furthermore, science how shown this spring flower has highly absorbable nutrients allowing it to fight fungus, microbes, hypertension, and even cancer!
Violet
Last, but not least, we come to the species of viola flowers. These five-petaled flowers make for a sweet fragrance that is guaranteed to upgrade your desserts and drinks. When one admires the beauty of its deep blue-violet colored petals its not hard to remember how "even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these" (5). Often used in soups, infused honeys, teas, and drinks - there seems like an endless variety to bring this home to your herb cabinet.
Like Nasturtiums, its packed with micro-nutrients essential for the body, namely, vitamins A and C. (6) The whole plant is edible is used for digestive and headache disorders, which is especially useful when dealing with stomach ache, dry cough, or urinary infections. Externally, steeped viola leaves are used as a compress to cool down inflammation of the skin as in eczema outbreaks. It can also help soothe emotional symptoms.
"Children and adults who are sad, anxious, or tense will find violet to be a cooling friend that helps to soothe heated emotions and nerves." (7)
Studies have also confirmed its traditional application for cancer protocols, as viola extract was found to inhibit an overreactive immune system response. (8) Medicine in your own backyard! Roses are red, violets are blue, we hope you love flowers because we do too!
If you found this blog interesting and would like to find the best place to experiment with edible flowers, come on down to Paradise Fields Farm Store and ask for our edible flowers! You can also purchase these in our pre-washed farm-favourite supergreen salads colored with our best organically-grown edible flower varieties.
Click here to purchase our Cosmic Salad Mix:
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Also, don't miss our on our next Mother's Day Event!
We cordially invite you to reserve your spot for our 2025 Mother’s Day Herbal Tea & Flower Harvest Experience!
Click here for more information: Mother’s Day Herbal Tea & Flower Harvest Experience Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite
If you wish to reach out to us, call us at (289) 522-0202 or drop an email at hello@paradisefields.ca.
Blog By: Yafet Tegene
Sources:
1 - https://botanicalinstitute.org/calendula/
2 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/calendula
3 - https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/a-family-herb-helpful-calendula-blossoms/
4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29766690/
5 - Matthew 6:29, KJV
6 - https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/a-family-herb-violet-plant/
7 - ibid
8 - https://theherbalacademy.com/blog/health-benefits-of-violets/