Maximum Yield USA March 2018 | Page 78

cycl edible flowers F lo s t ral F eas EDIBLE FLOWERS Though it fell out of fashion for a while, feasting on flowers is seeing somewhat of a resurgence. Here’s how you can get in on the colorful tradition. by Dr. Lynette Morgan 76 grow cycle F easting on flowers has a long culinary history. In the Victorian era, edible flowers were particularly popular and used to create elegant designs of candied violet and borage on top of cakes and desserts. In more recent times, edible flowers are recognized not only for their beauty and decorative value but also for their flavor, aroma, and nutrition. Edible flowers are incredibly versatile; they are brewed as tea, used as a spice or vegetable, dried, candied, incorporated into baking, or simply scattered fresh as a garnish. They are grown commercially by hydroponic producers for restaurants, candy makers, tea blenders, produce stores, salad mix producers, and bars, where modern mixologists incorporate edible flowers and floral infusions into drinks.