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apple blossoms
borage Substitutes: nasturtiums (for salads) OR violets (for salads) OR rose petals
carnation Notes: These have a peppery flavor.
chamomile
chive flowers = chive blossoms
chrysanthemums
clary Substitutes: nasturtiums (in salads) OR borage (in salads) OR violet (in salads)
daylily
dianthus Notes: These have a clove-like flavor.
English primroses
geraniums
hibiscus flowers See Jamaica.
hollyhock
impatiens = impatients Notes: These don't have much flavor. Indian cress See nasturtium.
Jamaica = hibiscus flowers = Jamaica sorrel = roselle Substitutes: Red Zinger tea
Jamaica sorrel See Jamaica.
Johnny jump-up Substitutes: pansy OR violet
lavender Notes: Cooks use this fragrant flower to flavor jellies, baked goods and grilled meat. Substitutes: drops of Parfait Amour (a lavender-flavored liqueur) lemon blossoms
lilac
lily buds See golden needles.
lily flowers See golden needles.
mimosa blossoms
orange blossoms
pansy peach blossoms
plum blossoms
pot marigold (petals only)
roselle See Jamaica.
rose petals Substitutes: violet flowers (for syrups, jams, and for crystallizing)
sage blossoms snapdragon
squash blossoms = squash flowers = flor de calabaza Notes: These make exquisite garnishes, but they can also be stuffed with fillings and fried, or else sautéed very briefly and put into omelettes or quesadillas. The best source of the blossoms is a garden, but non-gardeners can sometimes find them in farmers' markets or specialty markets. They don't store well, so try to use the blossoms soon after you get them.
tiger lily buds See golden needles.
viola
violet Substitutes: nasturtium (in salads) OR borage (in salads) OR pansy
Notes: To candy flowers, whisk an egg white, then use a brush to paint a fine layer onto clean, dry, pesticide-free flower petals (or whole flowers if they're very small). Next, gently place the petal into some superfine sugar, and sprinkle some more superfine sugar on top. Shake off the excess and lay it out on waxed paper to dry (this takes as long as eight hours).
Copyright © 1996-2000 Lori Alden
