Flowers are more than just decorative pieces, some can be used as edible ingredients in a variety of dishes. Edible flowers in the Philippines have been a part of traditional cuisine and other Asian countries for centuries, and are now becoming increasingly popular in western cuisine. In this article, we will explore which flowers are edible in the Philippines.
Cosmos: Healthy Benefits and Where to Buy
Cosmos is a native flower of the Philippines, belonging to the Asteraceae family. With its unmistakable beauty and wide array of colors, Cosmos provides more than just an esthetically pleasing sight—it’s a powerhouse of nutrition and health benefits as well! Here are just some of its key benefits:
- Nutrient Dense: Cosmos is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin C. All these nutrients work together to support the body’s optimal functioning.
- Supports Healthy Gut: Cosmos contains dietary fiber which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut balance.
- Boosts Immune System: One of the most important health benefits of Cosmos is its ability to boost immunity by providing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant protection.
- Detoxification Support: Compounds like flavonoids present in Cosmos promote detoxification by eliminating toxins out of our bodies.
Sunflower: From seeds to petal to buds
Sunflowers are not only known for their bright and cheery appearance, but they are also edible and can be a great addition to your meals. The seeds of sunflowers are the most commonly consumed part, but did you know that the petals and buds are also edible?
Sunflower petals have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and can add a pop of color to salads or other dishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and even used to make tea.
Sunflower buds, which are the small, undeveloped flowers at the center of the plant, have a slightly more bitter taste but can also be used in salads and other dishes.
Aside from their culinary uses, sunflowers have a rich history of being used for medicinal purposes. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and have been used to treat various ailments such as fever, coughs, and sore throats.
You can find sunflower petals and buds at The Best Flowers Shops in Manila or beautiful flower farms in Manila, or you can even grow your own sunflowers and harvest the petals and buds yourself. With their unique flavor and vibrant color, sunflowers are a great addition to any kitchen.
Begonia – An Infused Treat to Your Morning Coffee
Make your morning coffee even more interesting with a Begonia flower. Native to the Philippines, Begonia flowers have a slightly bitter taste with a hint of citrus, making them a delightfully delicious addition to any hot beverage
Once plucked from the bush, you can use Begonia flowers to make flavorful extracts or infusions. Try adding just one flower to a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea and you’ll be surprised at the delightful flavor it adds.
You can also find these edible flowers in some of Manila’s local markets. Be sure to give them an inspecting before buying, as they may be past their prime. These delicate blooms don’t last as long as others, so make sure you purchase fresh ones for optimal taste.
Viola – Healthy Snack Alternatives
Viola flowers, also known as pansies, are a popular edible flower in the Philippines.They have a mild, sweet flavor with a slight wintergreen taste, and their vibrant colors make them a popular choice for decorating cakes, salads, and other dishes.
Viola flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, the purple violas are often used as a topping for salads or sandwiches, while the yellow varieties work well with desserts.
Viola is also known for its great nutritional value – it is rich in vitamins A, C, B-complex and E. Additionally, it contains various minerals including magnesium, iron and zinc.
Furthermore, viola is a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for good digestion and helps to balance blood sugar levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce swelling and discomfort caused by common health issues like arthritis or gout.
As if that wasn’t enough, viola can also be a tasty snack alternative – add some violas to your favorite crackers or pair them with some fruit for a healthy appetizer!
Butterfly Pea Flower: A Vibrant Ingredient for Culinary Creativity
Butterfly pea flower, also known as blue pea, is a beautiful and vibrant flower that is commonly used in the Philippines for culinary purposes. The flower is known for its striking blue color, which is caused by anthocyanin pigments found in the petals.
In the Philippines, butterfly pea flowers are commonly used to make tea, which is known for its beautiful blue color and subtle flavor. To make butterfly pea tea, simply steep a handful of fresh or dried flowers in hot water for a few minutes, strain, and enjoy. You can also add honey or lemon to the tea to enhance the flavor.
The fresh flowers can be used as a garnish for salads, soups, and cocktails, while the dried flowers can be used as a natural food dye or added to rice, cakes, and other desserts. For a tasty appetizer or snack, try dipping the whole flowers in batter and frying them, or pair them with earthy cheeses. With its mild and sweet flavor, butterfly pea flower is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique touch to any dish.
In desserts, butterfly pea flowers can be used to make a beautiful blue syrup or jelly that can be used to add flavor and color to cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats. The flowers can also be used to make ice cream or sorbet, which is a delicious and refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.
In cocktails, butterfly pea flowers can be used to add a beautiful blue color to drinks. Simply add a handful of fresh or dried flowers to vodka or gin and let it steep for a few hours. The resulting drink will have a beautiful blue color and a subtle floral flavor.
Butterfly pea flowers are widely available in the Philippines and can be found at specialty grocery stores or farmer’s markets. When using butterfly pea flowers for culinary purposes, be sure to use only the petals from organically grown plants that have not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals
Hibiscus – Tropical Refreshment for Dessert
Ready to try something truly unique? Hibiscus is a perfect choice! This flower is native to tropical areas of the Philippines and boasts a sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of cranberries. not just a pretty decoration but also a nutritious and beneficial addition to your diet
The Hibiscus, also known as the Gumamela flower, is a versatile plant used not only for ornamental purposes but also for its culinary and medicinal properties. In China, the young and tender leaves of Gumamela are cooked and eaten just like spinach, while in other countries, the leaves are added raw to salads. The flowers are the most commonly used part of the hibiscus plant in cooking, and they can be consumed in a variety of ways. In China, the flower petals are baked into cakes, while in India, they are boiled with sugar to create a sweet, iced drink. The flowers can also be pickled or used as a food dye in various cuisines around the world.
Aside from its culinary uses, Gumamela flowers are also traditionally used for tea. The plant is rich in essential nutrients such as Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, and Vitamin C, making it a popular ingredient for juices, jams, salads, and mixed vegetables. Moreover, Hibiscus is believed to have medicinal properties that can help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. The plant is also known to contain antioxidants that can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals.
For those looking to buy edible flowers in Manila, the Hibiscus may be purchased from Hibiscus Distributor or sellers. They can also be found from street vendors near tourist attractions. The best time to purchase them is during the summer months when they’re in full bloom.
In conclusion, when you are wanting to know which edible flowers offer a unique twist of flavor to any dish, and they come with a range of health benefits. You can find them at specialty stores, local markets, or even grow them in your garden. With their distinct flavors and vibrant colors, edible flowers are a great addition to any kitchen.
If you’re interested in trying out some of these edible flowers that are found in the Philippines, be sure to do your research and purchase them from reputable sources to ensure they have not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can add a burst of color and flavor to your meals with these beautiful and nutritious flowers.