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What Flowers are Edible?

Edible flowers have been used in cooking for centuries, and today they’re enjoying a vibrant revival in home kitchens. Their delicate petals can be used fresh or dried, scattered on top of cakes or infused into syrups and drinks.

If you’ve been looking for a unique and edible decoration to add to your bakes, recipes or drinks, and are wondering what flowers are edible, then look no further.

A Fresh Take on a Floral Flower

From subtle hints of sweetness to peppery and herbaceous notes, different edible flowers bring their unique flavour profiles, and they look beautiful too.

Viola & Pansies

Violas and pansies are some of the most popular edible flowers for cakes. Their vibrant colours and mild flavour make them ideal for pressing into buttercream or decorating cupcakes.

Calendula

Also known as marigold, calendula petals have a tangy, peppery taste. These cheerful orange and yellow blooms add both colour and flavour to salads, pasta dishes and savoury bakes.

Rose Petals

A classic flower that’s highly aromatic and beautifully soft, rose petals can be used fresh or dried. They’re ideal for infusing into syrups or teas or using as elegant cake decorations.

Lavender

Lavender offers a strong floral flavour with herbaceous notes. It’s a natural match for shortbread, honey and lemon bakes. Just be sure to use it sparingly, otherwise you’ll overpower your sweet treats!

Nasturtiums

Known for their bold, peppery flavour and fiery hues, nasturtiums are a brilliant choice for savoury dishes. Not only do they add colour to leafy salads, sandwiches or soft cheese platters, but also a unique taste.

Borage

These star-shaped blue flowers have a refreshing, cucumber-like flavour. Borage is ideal for summer drinks as you can freeze it in ice cubes or use it as a cocktail garnish.

Tip: Only eat flowers you’re sure are safe and pesticide-free. If foraging or growing at home, double-check they’re listed as edible, or source them from a trusted UK supplier.

 

How to Use Edible Flowers in Cooking

Whether you’re whipping up a midweek meal or prepping for a special occasion, here are some fun and easy ways to use edible blooms in your everyday cooking.

Cakes and Bakes

Fresh or dried edible flowers can add a beautiful, natural finish to your bakes. Create a showstopper by pressing flowers into buttercream, scattering petals on top of cakes, or baking them into biscuits and loaf cakes.

Salads and Starters

Turn everyday dishes into showstoppers by scattering edible flowers like pansies, calendula and nasturtiums over your salads, starters or cheese boards to add bursts of vibrant colour and bold, garden-fresh flavour to every bite.

Drinks and Cocktails

Add a burst of botanical magic to your drinks by infusing petals into syrups, floating them over iced teas, or mixing them into homemade lemonade. It’s an easy way to add a delicate aroma and vibrant colour to your favourite refreshments.

Ice Cubes

Give your drinks an instant glow-up by freezing flower petals into ice cubes, a simple yet stunning way to add a splash of colour and charm to everything from sparkling water to garden party cocktails. They melt beautifully and make every sip feel special.

Homemade Treats

Take your home baking and cooking and try fragrant rose water in cakes, buttery lavender in shortbread or whipped calendula butter on toast. You can even blend your own dried petal mix for teas, toppings or infusions, perfect for food lovers who like to experiment.

 

Where to Buy Edible Flowers in the UK

While some edible flowers can be foraged or grown at home, the easiest and safest option is to buy them from trusted suppliers. Look out for packaging that clearly labels them as edible.

 

Bring the Garden to Your Plate

Whether you’re feeling inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show or just want to try something new in the kitchen, edible flowers are a simple and beautiful way to add a floral flourish to your food.

At Milk & More, you’ll find everything you need to get started, from organic baking essentials like milk, eggs and butter, to seasonal fruit and veg delivered straight to your doorstep.