Edible nasturtium plants have both edible flowers and leaves, adding a peppery flavor to salads. Incorporating edible nasturtium plants into your diet can elevate your culinary experience.
Nasturtiums, known for their vibrant orange to rich red flowers, offer a peppery and slightly spicy flavor akin to watercress. These plants thrive in sunny, hot climates and are best when young, as older leaves may turn bitter. While all nasturtium varieties are safe for human consumption, some are preferred for their superior flavor and appearance.
Consider varieties like ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’ for a delightful mix of taste and beauty in your dishes. Discover how these versatile plants can enhance your meals with their unique flavors and bright aesthetics.
Culinary Uses
Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible and make an attractive addition to salads. They have a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress, with a spicier flavor when grown in sunnier, hotter weather. They taste better when young; older leaves can be bitter. When incorporating nasturtium flowers into salads, they add a beautiful pop of color and a unique peppery flavor.
The flowers can also be used as a garnish for various dishes. In addition to the flowers, the leaves of nasturtiums are also edible and can be added to salads or used as a garnish. Overall, nasturtium plants offer a delicious and visually appealing option for culinary use in various dishes.
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Flavor Profile
Edible Nasturtium Plants have a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress. When grown in sunnier, hotter weather, they have a spicier flavor. It is recommended to eat young leaves as older ones can be bitter. Two recommended varieties for both flavor and beauty are ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’.
Best Varieties
Best Varieties: If you’re looking for flavorful nasturtium plants, consider the ‘Black Velvet’ variety. It offers a dark, rich taste that enhances your dishes. Another recommended variety for both taste and appearance is the ‘Tip Top Mahogany’. Its unique flavor and visually appealing appearance make it a great choice for your culinary creations.
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Growing Nasturtiums
Tips For Cultivating Nasturtium Plants
Ideal growing conditions for nasturtiums include well-drained soil and full sun exposure. These vibrant flowers are known for their edible flowers and leaves, which add a peppery taste to salads. Nasturtium plants thrive in hotter weather, developing a spicier flavor. It is best to pick the flowers and leaves when they are young, as older leaves can become bitter. Popular varieties for both flavor and beauty include ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’.
| Recommended Nasturtium Plants | Price |
|---|---|
| Clovers Garden Nasturtium Two Live Garden Plants | $20.97 |
| Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company Nasturtium Seeds, Tip Top Rose | $3.00 |
| Renee’s Garden Vanilla Berry Nasturtium | $3.69 |
| biverfarms.com Nasturtium | $4.00 |
| Purple Emperor Trailing Nasturtium Seeds – Conventional | $3.49 |
| Eden Brothers Nasturtium Seeds Mixed Colors | $8.39 |
| Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company Nasturtium Seeds, Purple Emperor | $3.50 |
| michiganheirlooms.com NASTURTIUM (Growers Choice) | $3.50 |
Nasturtium flowers and leaves are popular additions to culinary dishes due to their peppery flavor. They are safe for human consumption and can be enjoyed raw or used as a garnish. However, it is important to note that while all nasturtiums are edible, certain varieties may have different flavor profiles and can add beauty to your dishes.
Sources:
- Nasturtium, Tropaeolum majus – Wisconsin Horticulture
- How to grow and eat nasturtiums – Country Life
- Nasturtium guide: what’s edible & how to use it
- Are the leaves of the nasturtium toxic? I heard the flower is edible. – Quora
- Nasturtium flowers: add peppery flavor to dishes, beauty to…
Nasturtium Plant Purchase
Edible Nasturtium Plants can be purchased in various varieties. When it comes to different varieties available for purchase, there are numerous options in the market. Prices of nasturtium plants in the market vary widely based on the variety and source. Some popular varieties available for purchase include Clovers Garden Nasturtium, Tip Top Rose from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company, and Vanilla Berry Nasturtium from Renee’s Garden.
Additionally, Purple Emperor Trailing Nasturtium Seeds and Nasturtium Seeds Mixed Colors can also be found at varying prices. It’s important to note that all nasturtiums are edible, and the flowers and leaves can be a delightful addition to salads with a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress.
Edible Parts
The edible parts of nasturtium plants include both the flowers and leaves, which serve as a colorful addition to salads. These peppery-tasting components are best when young, imparting a spicier flavor in sunnier climates. Some recommended flavorful varieties include ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’.
| Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible and make an attractive addition to salads. They have a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress. When grown in sunnier, hotter weather, they have a spicier flavor and taste better when young. Consider varieties like ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’ for flavor and beauty. All nasturtiums can be eaten like tomato varieties but might be toxic to pets. Nasturtium flowers add a peppery flavor to culinary dishes, bringing eye-catching beauty. |
Raw Consumption
Edible nasturtium plants offer a delicious addition to raw dishes. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, providing a unique peppery taste to salads and other culinary creations. The flavor of nasturtium leaves is reminiscent of watercress, with a spicier kick when grown in sunnier, hotter weather. It is best to consume the leaves when they are young, as older leaves can become bitter. When incorporating nasturtium flowers, consider the impact of color on flavor.
Dark-flowered varieties such as ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’ are recommended for both their taste and beauty. Remember that not all varieties of nasturtium are edible, so choose those specifically labeled as such. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and visual appeal that edible nasturtium plants bring to your raw dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Edible Nasturtium Plants
Which Nasturtiums Are Edible?
Nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible, providing a peppery taste, great in salads. The younger leaves taste better. All varieties can be eaten.
Which Nasturtiums Are Best To Eat?
The best nasturtiums to eat are the flowers and leaves, adding a peppery taste to salads. Opt for varieties like ‘Black Velvet’ and ‘Tip Top Mahogany’ for both flavor and beauty.
Can You Eat All Varieties Of Nasturtium?
Yes, all varieties of nasturtium are edible, including flowers and leaves, offering a peppery taste ideal for salads.
Can You Eat Nasturtium Leaves Raw?
Yes, you can eat nasturtium leaves raw. They have a slightly peppery taste, similar to watercress, and can be a colorful addition to salads. It is best to use young leaves, as older leaves can be bitter.
Conclusion
Incorporating edible nasturtium plants into your meals is not only a visually pleasing addition but also a delicious and nutritious one. The flowers and leaves of nasturtiums have a slightly peppery taste, resembling watercress, with a spicier flavor in sunnier climates.
Remember that younger leaves are preferred, as older ones can be bitter. With their vibrant colors and unique flavors, nasturtiums are a great way to elevate your salads and other dishes. So why not give these edible flowers a try and enhance your culinary adventures?
