A Guide to Edible Flowers in With Love, Meghan
In the Netflix series With Love, Meghan, Meghan Markle introduces viewers to the culinary art of using edible flowers, showcasing their aesthetic appeal and unique flavors. This guide explores some of the edible flowers featured in the series, along with their characteristics and culinary applications.
1. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Flavor: Mild cucumber taste with a hint of sweetness.
Uses: Ideal for adding a refreshing note to salads, desserts, and beverages. The star-shaped blue flowers can be candied for cake decorations or frozen into ice cubes for an elegant touch in drinks.
2. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Flavor: Peppery, similar to watercress.
Uses: Both flowers and leaves are edible, making them versatile for salads, garnishes, and stuffing. Their vibrant colors enhance visual appeal, and the seed pods can be pickled as a substitute for capers.
3. Violas (Viola spp.)
Flavor: Mild and slightly sweet.
Uses: Perfect for garnishing salads, desserts, and cocktails. Their diverse colors and patterns make them a favorite for adding aesthetic charm to dishes.
4. Squash Blossoms (Cucurbita spp.)
Flavor: Subtle, reminiscent of young zucchinis.
Uses: Commonly stuffed with cheeses or other fillings, then battered and fried. They can also be incorporated into soups or eaten raw in salads.
5. Rose (Rosa spp.)
Flavor: Varies from sweet to slightly spicy, depending on the variety.
Uses: Petals are used in jams, jellies, syrups, and desserts. They can also be infused into beverages or used as a garnish for both sweet and savory dishes.
6. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Flavor: Sweet, floral, with hints of citrus.
Uses: Enhances baked goods, desserts, and teas. Its strong flavor means it should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering other ingredients.
7. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Flavor: Citrusy and slightly spicy.
Uses: Petals can be sprinkled over salads, soups, and rice dishes to add color and a mild tangy flavor. They are sometimes referred to as "poor man's saffron" due to their vibrant hue.
Safety and Harvesting Tips:
Identification: Ensure accurate identification of flowers, as some can be toxic.
Source: Use flowers grown without pesticides, preferably from your own garden or trusted suppliers.
Preparation: Gently wash flowers to remove dirt and insects. Remove stamens and pistils from larger flowers to avoid bitterness.
Moderation: Introduce edible flowers into your diet gradually to monitor any adverse reactions.
By incorporating these edible flowers into your culinary repertoire, you can elevate dishes with unique flavors and visual appeal, much like Meghan Markle demonstrates in With Love, Meghan.
