Flowers have been used for various food purposes since time immemorial. Though not all flowers are edible or consumable, there are a large number of flowers that can be used for various food purposes such as garnishing, flavoring, food coloring, and culinary purposes. Some examples of flowers that are used for food coloring and flavoring purposes are roses, hibiscus flowers, marigold flowers, chrysanthemum flowers, and basil flowers. A few examples of flowers that are used for garnishing purposes are cilantro flowers, flowers belonging to the Onion and Garlic family (Allium spp.), and mint flowers.
Some flowers and flower clusters such as broccoli flower clusters and calabash gourd white flowers are not only edible but rich in nutrients also. They are used for various culinary purposes such as for the preparation of various vegetable dishes, soups, and fried snacks. One of the most important edible flowers that require a special mentioning in this booklet is banana blossoms.
Mainly five edible flowers are popular among all types of consumers. These are banana flowers, pumpkin flowers, sesbania flowers, calabash gourd flowers and broccoli flowers.
BANANA FLOWERS: Banana is a common fruit plant in many Asian countries and therefore, various culinary preparations prepared from banana flowers are very popular among Asians. Vegetables and deep fried snacks prepared from banana flowers are not only delicious but high in nutritional value also. Banana flowers are rich source of dietary fiber. Regular consumption of dietary fiber lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, prevents constipation, soothes digestive system and promotes overall bodily health. It is believed that certain antioxidants present in banana flowers reduce free radical action within the body. Free radicals are major cause of different types of cancers. Hence regular consumption of banana flowers is believed to prevent cancer formation in the body. Banana flowers are a rich source of iron and hence help in curing anemia by increasing blood hemoglobin levels.
The whole banana flower is not used for culinary purposes. The outer layers of the banana flower which are dark purplish in colour are having leathery texture and are not used for cooking. The yellowish white hearts of the banana flower is used for cooking. Hearts of the banana flower is soft and white and chopped into small pieces to be used as raw salad after mixing with lime juice. Chopped banana hearts mixed with flour can be used to prepare deep-fried snacks. Finely chopped banana hearts are used to prepare vegetables along with pulses. There are several various dishes and delicacies can be prepared by using banana hearts.
PUMPKIN FLOWERS: Pumpkin is a gourd vegetable and it belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. Major edible species of pumpkin are Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita maxima, and Cucurbita moschata. Pumpkin is believed to be a native of North America. Pumpkin is monoecious plant and it produces both male and female flowers on the same plant. Large yellow male flowers, which have a mild pumpkin flavour, are mainly used for cooking. Pumpkin flowers can be cooked in several ways; it may be deep fried in oil, can be stuffed, baked, and used as an ingredient in soups and salads. Pumpkin flowers are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and minerals like phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. Consumption of 100 grams of pumpkin flowers offers 15 kilo calories of energy, 28 mg of vitamin C, 1947 IU (International Unit) of vitamin A, 24 mg of Magnesium and 49 mg of phosphorous.
SESBANIA FLOWERS: Scientific name of Sesbania is Sesbania grandiflora. It is a small, fast-growing, tropical tree which produces white or red colored flowers depending upon the species. Sesbania is also known as August Flower, Australian Corkwood Tree, Flamingo Bill, Swamp Pea, Tiger Tongue, Scarlet Wistaria, Vegetable Hummingbird, West Indian Pea, Parrot Flower, Agati, and White Dragon. Sesbania flowers are eaten as a vegetable in many Southeast Asian countries such as Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. A detailed account of nutrients present in sesbania flowers is given below:
CALABASH GOURD WHITE FLOWERS: Scientific name of Calabash is Lagenaria siceraria. It is also known as bottle gourd, opo squash, long melon or white-flowered gourd or calabash gourd. It belongs to Cucurbitaceae family and is native to tropical Africa. The large, showy white flowers are used for culinary purposes.
BROCCOLI FLOWER CLUSTERS: Scientific name of Broccoli is Brassica oleracea var. italic. The edible portion of a broccoli is its immature buds and thick fleshy flower stalk. There are two types of broccoli available in the market: green sprouting broccoli and purple-colored broccoli. Green sprouting broccoli contains a group of green, immature buds and thick fleshy flower stalk. Purple-colored broccoli forms curds and look like cauliflower. Large flowering head of broccoli is used for culinary purposes. Broccoli may be eaten raw by adding in fresh salads, or may be boiled in soups or steam-cooked. It is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber. Broccoli has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.
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