Twenty One Rules of Edible Flowers

Feb24

21 Rules of Edible Flowers

The use of flowers in food dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek and Romans. And with the resurgence of the world’s desire to save the planet, the interest in edible flowers has become more desirable. In keeping with the current “trends” people may want to experiment with flowers and plants more as a food source. However there are some rules or guidelines you must keep in mind when experimenting. First of all, remember that even if the flower isn’t poisonous does not mean it’s edible.

Before partaking of flowers , review these 21 simple rules:

Before consuming any flowers, consult a good reference book on edible flowers to be certain they can be used in your recipes and eaten.
Choose flowers that are free from pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals. Opt for organic or grow your own in a controlled environment.
Harvest flowers at their peak freshness for the best flavor and nutritional value.
Be aware of any allergies you or your guests may have. Some flowers can trigger allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Because some flowers may aggravate allergies, it is best to start small when introducing edible flowers into your meal plans.
Not all flowers used as “garnish” or decorations on plates are edible. When in doubt, ask the server or chef or simply “throw it out.”
When growing your edible flowers only use pesticides when necessary and only those products labeled for use on edible crops.
Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers. It is common for these flowers have been treated with pesticides that are not considered safe for edible crops.
Never eat flowers picked from the side of the road.
Eat only the flower petals and prepare according to recipes. Remove the pistils and stamens from flowers when preparing your dishes.
Different flavors occur in plants when grown in different locations because of soil types, fertilization, and culture. Environmental conditions play a big role as well. What has excellent flavor at one time may taste different at the end of the season or the next year.
Experiment with different flavor combinations. Some flowers have subtle flavors that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes.
To avoid digestive problems, it is a good idea to introduce flowers into your diet in small quantities one species at a time. Too
Collect flowers at the optimum time. Pick fully open flowers in the cool of the day. Avoid flowers that are starting to wilt.
Sample the flower for taste. If it’s bitter and you expected it to be sweet, you may not want to use it just yet.
Flowers mature at different rates (just like people) and depending on the soil, time of year and weather conditions, this year’s crop may have a totally different taste than those used in previous harvests.
Store edible flowers properly to maintain their freshness. Refrigerate them in a sealed container lined with a damp paper towel.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Edible flowers can add zest to your recipes, they add a whole new variety of flavors and colors that you may never have experiences.
Use edible flowers as garnishes to enhance the visual appeal of dishes. They can add a pop of color and elegance to plates.
Take advantage of seasonal blooms. Different flowers are available at different times of the year, so adjust your recipes accordingly.
Be aware of any regulations regarding the harvesting and sale of edible flowers in your area. Some species may be protected or subject to restrictions.

Have fun experimenting and experiencing the new dimension they can bring to your cooking.

Source: Horticulture News http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1995/7-21-1995/eatflow.html

Did you know? Flowers Enhance Our Mood

Feb7

Yes, flowers have been shown to have a positive impact on our mood and emotional well-being. Just imagine the vibrant colors, delicate petals, and sweet scents of these flowers. Whether it’s a sunny daisy, a fragrant rose, or a cheerful sunflower, each bloom carries its own special charm and can bring a smile to your face. Take a moment to breathe in their beauty and let their presence uplift your spirits.

Here’s how flowers can enhance our mood:

Immediate Mood Elevation: The sight of colorful and fragrant flowers can trigger immediate feelings of happiness and joy. Their vibrant colors and pleasant scents can uplift your spirits, even on a gloomy day.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Being in the presence of flowers, whether in a garden or through a bouquet, can help reduce stress and anxiety. The act of tending to plants or arranging flowers can also be a soothing and meditative experience.
Boosting Positivity: Flowers can evoke positive emotions and create a more positive atmosphere. When people receive flowers as gifts, it often leads to feelings of appreciation and love, which can improve overall mood.
Enhancing Creativity: Some studies suggest that having flowers in your environment can boost creativity and problem-solving skills. The visual stimulation and connection to nature may inspire new ideas and perspectives.
Improving Mental Health: Flowers are often used in various forms of therapy, such as horticultural therapy and aromatherapy, to improve mental health. Engaging with flowers can promote relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Promoting Connection: Sharing flowers with others, whether as a gesture of love, friendship, or support, fosters a sense of connection and social bonding. These positive social interactions can contribute to improved mood and emotional health.
Providing a Sense of Achievement: Taking care of flowers and watching them grow and bloom can give a sense of accomplishment and purpose, which can enhance self-esteem and overall mood.
Eliciting Memories: Certain flowers may evoke memories or nostalgia, which can bring a sense of happiness and comfort. For example, receiving flowers that remind you of a special event or place can be emotionally uplifting.

It’s important to recognize that the impact of flowers on mood can vary from person to person. Some individuals may be more sensitive to the emotional effects of flowers, while others may have a more subdued response. Nonetheless, incorporating flowers into your daily life, whether through gardening, floral arrangements, or simply enjoying them in your surroundings, can be a simple and enjoyable way to enhance your mood and well-being. Taking a moment to pause and appreciate the simple joys of life, like stopping to smell the flowers, can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating. So, let’s take a deep breath together and enjoy the delightful fragrance and beauty of the flowers around us.

Begin Your New Years Diet with Flowers

Dec27

Begin Your New Years Diet with Edible Flowers I know you are reading this thinking, “I thought flowers were only to be looked at and enjoyed visually!” Not true. In fact, you can eat them too. And for the most part edible flowers are low in (or free of) calories, cholesterol and fat. Edible flowers have been used as food for thousands of years. And although I have been unable to find much documentation about the nutritional benefits of flowers as food, it seems to me if the animal planet has eaten flowers since the dawn of time, then they must be healthy. And I imagine being on an Edible Flower Diet you could loose weight fast. Not to mention that edible flower diet is exotic eating at it’s finest.

Of course there are some precautions you should take when considering the edible flower diet. First and foremost, not every flower is edible. About.com has a great chart of poisonous and non-edible flowers you should stay away from.

You can also check out this List of Edible Flowers at Eden Florist. Many Edible flowers can be found at gourmet grocery stores and local farmer’s markets.

In addition to those on the chart, the greens of dandelions are edible but they don’t taste good. Many edible flowers add little or no flavor to recipes, they just look pretty.

You can use edible flowers in infused vinegars, candies, sorbets, syrups, jellies and jams, as marinades, drinks, wines, meats, flower butter, dips and spreads, soups and as garnish to add color to the presentation. They can be added to water and frozen to create pretty ice cubes and add a dash of flavor to drinks. Place a colorful gladiolus floret (after removing the stamen and pistil) in a clear glass bowl and fill with your favorite jam, spread or dip.

Here are two low-fat recipes to add to your edible flower diet recipe box (also great for entertaining):

Hollyhock or Nasturtium Hors d’oevres

3 dozen hollyhock, daylily or nasturtium blossoms – washed and drained

1 jar (5 ounces) low fat cream cheese and pineapple spread

¼ cup low fat whipped cream cheese with chives

¼ cup turkey, chicken or tuna salad

With a small spoon carefully stuff each blossom with a small amount of one of the three fillings.

Line platter with nasturtium leaves and arrange filled blossoms. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Serve chilled

Turkey Calendula Wraps

8 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons low fat or fat free mayonnaise

1-tablespoon horseradish

2-3 teaspoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons diced sweet pickle relish

1 tart apple, peeled cored and finely diced

1-cup calendula or marigold petals

4 twelve-inch low-fat tortillas

8 ounces turkey thinly sliced

Garnish with Lettuce and marigold petals

In a bowl blend the cream cheese with mayonnaise, horseradish, lemon juice and pickle relish. Gently stir in apple and flower petals. With a spatula spread the mixture evenly over each tortilla. Cover spread with a single layer of turkey or ham. Roll filled tortilla, jellyroll style. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap- chill for 20 minutes or more. To serve, cut to desired thickness and arrange on a serving platter over a bed of lettuce. Sprinkle with additional flower petal garnish.

Be sure to use flowers sparingly in your recipes. Some people experience digestion problems when consuming flowers for the first time. The best thing to do is start small and see if you have a reaction before plunging into the edible flower diet.

Happy Dieting!

Daffodils – The Principle of Becoming

Apr4

There’s a new book in town and it is amazing! It is calledThe Garden of the Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self by my good friend Lynn Serafinn ~ Personal Transformation Coach

Here’s an excerpt from her book: Daffodils – The Principle of Becoming

We all associate springtime with new beginnings. After a long, barren winter of hiding under the earth, the flowers begin to emerge one at a time. Here in the UK, the first flower of spring is the daffodil. This week, I took two lovely long walks in different parts of town here in Bedford—one along the River Great Ouse, and the other through Bedford Park, a beautiful Victorian park that is much loved by us Bedfordians. Daffodils were bursting with bright yellow everywhere I walked, especially in one wooded section of the Park, which was actually the inspiration for the setting of one of the stories in my upcoming book, The Garden of the Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self. And when these brilliant flowers make an appearance, they really make an appearance. Never satisfied with being just a flower or two here and there, daffodils usually come in the hundreds when you find them. And what a glorious site they are. Their yellow colour and their unique shape makes you feel just as if the sun itself had decided to incarnate right there in the woods and burst into a thousand tiny suns. It is the true announcement that spring has come, and that new life is brewing all around us.

In my book, I use the daffodil as the symbol for “The Principle of Becoming”. “Becoming” means all that is continually evolving, growing and changing within us. Many of us fear change, but we all inwardly know that without change in our lives, we stagnate and die. Change is where innovation, imagination and creativity are born. It is the source of spontaneity, laughter and, ultimately, joy. “Becoming” therefore is the principle of regeneration and rebirth. No rebirth is able to take place without letting go of something else. In the case of the daffodils, they release themselves from the hidden safety of the earth, to take their chances in the open air of the late winter in the barren world above, before any of the other flowers dare attempt to poke their heads out. They do not wait to see if other flowers survive the ordeal first. They may look like light and cheerful flowers, and indeed they are; but in my view, they are also the most courageous.

We can learn from the daffodils by seeing that their glory lies in the fact that they took that bold chance, and are protected from harm, even when an unseasonable snowfall comes along. Like them, we can learn how to make courageous decisions in our lives by sensing when the time is right, and trusting the universe to carry us safely to our destination. It is when we procrastinate due to fear—of the unknown, of failure, of the judgement of others, or so many other things—that we often miss the opportunity the world is offering us. If the daffodil does not bloom in the spring, it has to wait until another year rolls around. Fear is inevitable in life. But fear itself is not our obstacle; it is merely an emotion. The real obstacle comes when we allow that fear to paralyse our own ability to grow. To master “The Principle of Becoming”, which is the lesson of the daffodil, we have to learn how to be comfortable with our own fears, and simply fall backwards into trust, for the greater purpose of feeling fully alive and bringing joy to the world.

This spring, when you see the daffodils, learn this vital lesson from them. Your glory in life begins the moment you hear the call of your own awakening and decide to take the chance to blossom, even in the face of your own fears. It is then when you too will take on the beauty of a thousand suns.

You can learn more about the lessons from the four flowers when you purchase my book The Garden of the Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self. It’s coming to Amazon on Tuesday 7 April 2009. AND if you join the “launch countdown”, you can find out how to receive 25 beautiful mind-body-spirit gifts donated by over 20 of my friends and colleagues, just for buying the book the day of the launch. Visit http://tinyurl.com/lynn-bonus for complete information. And be sure to keep an eye out for daffodils this week.

Flowers at Work Increase Productivity

Feb16

As a designer, my surroundings are important to me. When the area in which we work is beautiful, and uncluttered, it relieves our minds to work on the important tasks of running our business. It also allows us to be more creative.

The Society of American Florists (SAF) did a study about Flowers & Plants on Workplace Productivity Study.
Here are the findings:

In 2003, SAF partnered with an internationally recognized research team at Texas A&M University to learn how flowers and plants in the workplace impact productivity and problem solving. The exciting results of this groundbreaking study:

Problem-solving skills, idea generation and creative performance improve substantially in workplace environments that include flowers and plants.

Specifically, both men and women who work in environments with flowers and plants demonstrate more innovative thinking as compared to environments with sculpture or no decorative objects.

Men who participated in the study generated 30 percent more ideas when working in environments with flowers and plants than ones without.

While men generate a greater abundance of ideas, the research shows that women generate more creative, flexible solutions to problems in workplace environments with flowers and plants.

As a result, flowers and plants prove to be natural additions to any work environment.

“The research shows that flowers and plants can be important in the most meaningful way to businesses in the modern economy,” says Roger Ulrich, Ph.D., behavioral scientist and the study’s lead researcher.

“Productivity, in the form of innovation and creative problem solving, can mean the difference between mild and great success.”

(source: SAFNOW.org)

So I encourage everyone to surround yourselves with flowers, homegrown or flower shop purchase… does not matter. Flowers add beauty and as you have read, can increase your productivity, attitude and success.

So, if you want to be more productive or help someone be more productive, send flowers!

Have a beautiful day… and more!

Sympathy Flowers ARE Important

Sep23

Confused about whether or not to send flowers to express your sympathy?

In the article “Avoiding Confusion” Kim Stacey says “The traditional funeral ritual plays a key role in the grieving process. As tradition has given way to new forms and behaviors, still the most common funeral-related ritual, is the sending, receiving and viewing of flowers.”

In a study entitled, “The Role of Flowers and Plants in the Bereavement Process,” funded jointly by the American Floral Endowment and the Society of American Florists Information Committee, more than half of the bereaved surveyed strongly agreed that flowers were a critical component of the funeral ritual that helped them deal with their grief.

She goes on to say, “At the funeral service, flowers also help brighten a somber environment and provide a topic of conversation and a tranquil focal point.”

More important than the role of flowers in keeping conversation going, the study further demonstrated that because of their soothing qualities, sympathy flowers displayed at funerals actually had a positive impact on the emotional well-being of the bereaved.

After the funeral service, arrangements and plants act as keepsakes to brighten the home and in the case of flowering plants, can serve as a living memorial to the deceased. Not only that, caring for the plants can provide hours of pleasure and an emotional connection to the missing loved one.”

To read the rest of the article, visit: http://www.funeralwire.com/features/feature.php?id=60

To send flowers to show your sympathy and condolences, visit Eden Florist today.