Edible flowers - Sunflowers

Published: 28th Oct 2014

Don't sunflowers make you feel all dreamy? Don't they just conjure up images of strolling through the Provencal countryside, a clear blue sky and fields full of these golden giants, you in a floaty dress (or flares?) with long, red hair looking all 'Florence and the Machine' under that low, late summer sunshine.

See what I mean? Dreamy.

As well as being so damn romantic these gorgeous edible flowers are versatile and practical too. Their buds, seeds and petals can all be eaten and are used in so many ways from oils to salads.

Sunflowers can be several metres tall or short and cute, with bright lemon flowers or fiery red petals like flames. They can look like pom poms or have open, broad faces and the bees just love those. There are many varieties which are all a delight but I have to say I still love the traditional ones I picture in my daydreams.

Sunflower flavour

Sunflower petals have a mild, nutty flavour and if you're lucky you can eat them right through until October. After that there are the seed kernels which can be eaten raw or toasted or shared with the birds.