Talk:Edible flowers

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Nuritionally, the flower can be divided into three main elements.

  • First, there is pollen, although in very small quantities, it is a rich source of protein.
  • Secondly is the nectar. Usually sweet and is the substance that most attracts bees to pollinate them. Nectar provides a balanced form of sugars with a range of minerals and vitamins.
  • Lastly, the petals of the flower. Not as nutritious as leaves, they provide us with a good range of vitamins and minerals.

Solarone 15:12, 7 April 2006 (UTC)solarone

Questions?

In response to another post where it said pollen is a good source of protein, why would the protein have to be removed before consuming the flower? Is it unhealthy or dangerous? (ssage1)

Why is it that edible flowers must be consumed "sensibly" or as I'm reading it, in moderation?

Also, why would you want to remove the pollen before consuming the flower?

--Jwilson4 23:07, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

What are the benefits of eating parts of flowers?? Or are there any?? What types of flowers can be eaten?? Did you know that the top portion of broccoli is actually a flower bud. They become small yellow flowers which have a bit of a spicy flavor, they can be used to top salads.http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm

Suggestion Under the flower consumption heading you write about pesticides and how you should not eat a flower that has been sprayed with pesticides. More detail about the side effects or what could happen to you if you would eat a flower that has been sprayed would be helpful to the reader. Also you said that Marigolds and Daylilies are edible, but why should they be eaten sensibly? (ssage1)

One thing that I might suggest is to include more examples or a link to websites that tell what flowers are edible, or what certain flowers flavorings are, or possibly even an example of a recipe for an edible flower. The what's cooking website listed by Jwilson has some great examples and may be a great link to place at the bottom.

[1]

This first link has some great pictures and examples that you could use to give even more detail to your site.

[2]

This second link has many great recipes that you might be able to use an example from.

--Jjamison1 03:36, 14 April 2006 (UTC)jjamison1

[edit] Can't take credit for the recipe link.

Sorry, but the example/recipe link was not my contribution. I think that some people are forgetting to use their "signature" on comments and it will be hard for the instructor to know who said what. Someone come and claim that link so you can get credit in the class for comments given!--Jwilson4 13:18, 14 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] One last blog.

I found some interesting facts to my own questions above. I wanted to know why some flowers could only be eaten in moderation. If you follow this link: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-8513.html, an extension agent from NC State U, has a wonderful table on (all?) the edible flowers and why some of them should only be eaten in moderation.

On the same site, I also found the answer to the question about removing pollen organs. The extension agent states that people with allergies or asthma could have some biochemical sensitivity reactions when consuming these flowers. Makes sense!--Jwilson4 13:32, 14 April 2006 (UTC)


Give me more

I enjoyed reading the article however I would have been captivated had you told me how to successfully grow my own edible plants. One thing I found out that you need to be aware of are leaf moisture. Overhead irrigation (leaf moisture) can lead to disease development for the plant. If they are diseased they are no good. Instead of spraying the plants with a regular garden hose, a soaker hose could be used.

Discussing not only how to grow your own edible plants but also what the benefits are to them would be great to see in this article. Do the benefits outweigh the inconvenience or cautions?

-ksmithson

[edit] suggestions

Might I suggest including a few examples of restaurant foods that have flowers in them, or restaurants that use flowers in their dishes, as well as prepared foods at the sore that include them?

--Painter guy 04:59, 15 April 2006 (UTC)