Whether in gardens, flower pots, vases, or bouquets, flowers bring a splash of color to our homes and landscapes. But did you know that many flowers are edible?

Edible flowers make an unexpected, fresh, and exciting addition to many foods. They are particularly perfect for baking, especially cookies.

Flowers such as lavender, roses, pansies, violas, cornflowers, and hibiscus can all be used to create cookies and desserts that look extraordinary and are as tasty as they look.

And these blooming blossoms are not only for mouthwatering sweets! Also try incorporating them into your everyday meals. You can sprinkle some spicy nasturtiums and chive flowers on your salad, or try tossing some marigolds or dandelions into a soup or stir-fry. The possibilities are endless.

Still on the fence about edible flora? Then consider the fact that edible flowers are also packed full of nutrients, such as vitamins A and C and minerals such as potassium and calcium. So, the next time you go grocery shopping, look for culinary-grade (pesticide-free) edible flowers

at your local grocery store or farmers’ market!