5 Tips for Using Edible Flowers in Desserts
Floral cakes are a classic that never go out of fashion. Usually, the floral effect is achieved by using masterful piping technique, or excellent hand-paint skills. But, there’s one trend that is really, might we say, blooming - and that is using edible flowers in desserts. It is a great way to add an extra layer of flavour, texture, and most importantly, visual appeal to your sweet dishes. There’s also the element of novelty and excitement when using real flowers with food, which makes people really explore what’s on their plates. And that is exactly what healthy eating should be like - slow, enjoyable, multisensory experience - equally using all of our senses.
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So, there are multiple reasons why edible flowers deserve a spot in your kitchen, but there are of course some considerations that need to be taken into account when using the pretty blossoms in food. Here are some tips for using edible flowers in your desserts:
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Choose the flowers that are safe to eat: You’d be surprised how many flowers are edible, but not ALL of them. So, it's really important to do your research and pick only the flowers that are safe to eat. Some popular edible flowers include roses, lavender, cornflowers, pansies, and calendula. To be on the safe side, we recommend consulting a florist, or buying the edible flowers from a trustworthy farm or a shop. Luckily, we have done all the flower picking for you - when shopping in our webshop, you can be absolutely sure you are getting carefully chosen, high quality edible flowers.
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- Use them sparingly: While flowers can add a beautiful touch to your desserts, it's important not to go overboard. Use them a little at a time, as too many flowers can overpower the other flavours in your dessert.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/beth_haxby_cakes/ - Study the flavour profile: Each type of flower has a unique flavour profile - some of them are mild, others bold or spicy. Therefore, it's important to choose flowers that complement the other ingredients in your dessert. For example, lavender is a great match for lemon-flavoured desserts, while rose petals go well with chocolate. Cornflowers, on the other hand, are quite mild in taste, and can therefore be used practically anywhere to add the rich blue colour.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/lavendergardenbakery/ - Prepare the flowers properly: Before using fresh edible flowers in your desserts, be sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any stems or bitter parts. You can also candy or freeze the flowers for added texture and flavour. For longer usage, edible flowers are often dried. They lose some of their vibrance when not used fresh, but have a longer shelf life.
Image credit: https://www.instagram.com/honey_bee_baker/ - Experiment with different desserts: Edible flowers can be used in a variety of desserts, including cakes, cupcakes, tarts, smoothies, ice cream and many more. Experiment with different recipes to find the perfect combination of flavours and textures.
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In addition to edible blooms, there are some flowers and leaves that can be used with food for decoration purposes, but have to be removed before eating. For example, dried flower cake toppers are super popular and make every cake stand out. Use metallic palm leaves to give your cakes instant dramatic and majestic touch. Or, apply a dried flower arrangement or bunny tails to add some boho vibes. 
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There are numerous ways to use edible flowers in your desserts. They add freshness, colour and definitely some wow-factor in your dishes, so get creative and experiment with them. And, please share your wonderful creations with us too, we are eagerly waiting to see what you come up with!
