Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have had a continuing role in wine country cuisine for many years. Although it may seem like a new trend, edible flowers have had a long history in many countries:

• Roses and orange flowers in Middle Eastern and Persian foods
• Lilies in China
• Cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums in Japan
• Lavender in France and England
• Saffron in Spain and the rest of the Mediterranean

Flower petals can add wonderful color and sparkle to a plate, and many—such as daylilies and nasturtiums — have bold, interesting flowers.