Flower consumption

Some general rules to follow before consuming flowers:

• You must make a 100% positive identification. If you are unsure if you have picked the correct variety of flower for the recipe, do NOT eat it. Some flowers are toxic and some flowers only become edible after appropriate preparations. There are many sources available to help you identify and properly prepare flowers for consumption, make sure that the information is up-to-date and reliable.

• As you would with other foods, if you have food or pollen allergies, check with your doctor before consuming flowers to avoid allergic reactions.

• Always use flowers that have NOT been sprayed with pesticides. To accomplish this, you can either grow your own flowers or if you are purchasing flowers from a commercial grower, ask if pesticides were used in treating the flowers. Make sure the grower knows that you plan to consume the flowers.

• Do not use damaged or excessively dirty flowers. Check flowers for an overabundance of insects as this may be a sign of unsuitable flowers to consume. Wash flowers thoroughly (but gently) in cool water and dry them on paper towels.

• Always remember to remove the reproductive organs (pollen area) of the flowers if possible.

• Just because flowers are edible does not mean you should eat them at every meal. Marigolds and Daylilies for example, should be sensibly consumed.

• Do not serve edible flowers along with inedible flowers. Some guests may not know the difference and inadvertently eat an inedible flower.