Are they edible?

The flowers of all Violet species have a pleasant sweetness, with that Fragrant violets (lat. Viola odorata) has the finest aroma. This evergreen perennial often grows in gardens without them with their nondescript violet-blue blossoms is perceived as a real garden plant. It reproduces by self-sowing and above-ground runners. The common ones Pansy and Horned violets can be used as decoration and as an ingredient in the kitchen.

Use only untreated flowers

The flowers of the self-drawnYou can safely use pansies in food preparation. In the case of wild pansies, you should make sure that you do not pick them near busy roads, as there is a risk of particulate matter and pollution. With pre-purchased plants In any case, caution should be exercised when consuming fresh flowers, as they are usually grown when they are grown fertilizer or chemical pesticides are used.

Uses in the kitchen

The flowers intended for consumption should always be picked fresh, as they soon look withered and quickly lose their aroma. The delicate flowers should not be washed beforehand either, in order not to become unsightly and to keep the sweet pollen. The following uses are possible for the delicious flowers:

• fresh on a salad or on desserts,
• as an edible decoration of soups and dishes,
• candied on cakes and desserts,
• dried or fresh as an ingredient in flower teas,
• for making jams and jellies,
• frozen in ice cubes for the preparation of cocktails,
• as a coloring ingredient in the production of liqueurs.

To candy, the flowers are dipped in a mixture of protein and water and then dusted with powdered sugar. The pretreated flowers are left overnight or at around 50 ° C for approx. Dry in the oven for 2 hours.

Tips & Tricks

Many wild forms of the viola used to be considered medicinal plants. Even today, homeopathic healing properties are ascribed to them in alternative medicine. Roots and seeds can have a laxative effect (also in cats) or cause nausea, but no parts of the pansy plant are poisonous.