Are horned violets edible? Or are they even poisonous?

The colorful horny violets with their delicate flowers ranging from deep black to royal blue and lavender to white and lemon yellow enchant balconies, gardens and cemeteries every spring. The popular heralds of spring have been used again and again for decorative purposes for decades. The little sister of the pansies is very floriferous from spring to sometimes into autumn. They have become an indispensable part of gardens. Sometimes, however, the question arises whether horned violets are poisonous or whether they are edible?

Are horned violets edible?

Some cat and dog owners sometimes disagree on whether the horned violet or the viola cornuta, as it is also called, is poisonous for your darlings if they come into contact with it in the garden come. The following can be said about this: the violet plant is neither poisonous for humans nor for any animals. On the contrary the flowers, even leaves of the horned violets are

edible. Not only that, because of the ingredients, horny violets are also beneficial to health. They contain, among other things

• Vitamins
• Bitter substances
• essential oils
• Mucilage (saponins)

tip: A tea can be made from the herb and dried flower petals. It is very tasty and helps against allergies, inflammatory skin complaints, as well as coughs and sore throats.

use

Normally, the entire plant is edible, for example chopped up in salads or sprinkled over dishes. The flowers of the horned violets can be used as a decorative garnish for various dishes not only because of their distinctive appearance. There are a variety of recipe ideas here. In any case, horned violets are always edible. Due to its slightly sweet taste and wonderful scent, the blossom the viola cornuta can be eaten raw, baked or candied. The petals are excellent

• candied as candy
• for pies and cakes
• Fruit salads
• Vegetable salads
• Chocolate and pralines as well for
• Yoghurt and quark dishes, as well as for refining and garnishing puddings

Candied flowers

Candied flowers and leaves can be used to refine and decorate all desserts or just as a snack in between. However, the leaves are not so decorative. The production is quite simple:

• Prepare a protein-water mixture
• Brush the flowers with it
• Gently sprinkle sugar over the top
• Let the flowers dry

There are several methods for doing this

• Drying in the dehydrator
• in the oven at 50 ° C for at least two hours or
• Put in a dry place overnight

Drinks with a difference

Some cocktails only develop their taste with a few ice cubes. These can simply be produced in a completely different way, namely with frozen flowers of horned violets. They are not only something for the eye, but also for taste. This is done using an ice cube mold

• half filled with water
• Still mineral water is ideal here
• Ice cubes are so nice and clear
• then place the flower in it
• Let freeze briefly
• then fill up with the remaining water
• Put it back in the fridge
• Flowers stay so nicely in the middle of the ice cubes

tip: Horny violet blossoms turn a sparkling wine into a delicious, tangy aperitif.

Do not wash flowers

The flower heads should always be used fresh and not washed. Water would take away the beauty of the delicate flowers. However, proper cleaning of the flowers is still necessary. All insects and small larvae must be carefully removed by hand. If stored in a cool place, they can be kept for a few days.
Tip: Horned violet flowers should always be harvested shortly before consumption, then the aroma and fragrance are strongest.

Be careful with purchased flowers

Purchased horned violets shouldn't just be eaten so carelessly. As a rule, these plants are always grown with artificial fertilizers, as they are usually not intended for consumption. All parts of the plant contain chemical pesticides such as pesticides and fungicides. They are poisonous and so these horned violets are not edible. However, if such plants are intended for consumption, there is a waiting period of at least one year necessary until the violet plant guarantees all the pesticides and fertilizers it contains has degraded.

What should be considered when buying?

Sometimes fresh flower blossoms, also from Viola cornuta, are available in a well-stocked vegetable department or on the Internet. If, however, a complete plant is to be bought for consumption, it is important to pay attention to the following:

• Always keep an eye out for untreated horned violets
• alternatively buy viola cornuta, which are labeled as "edible"
• better still grow plants yourself

Culture very simple

If horned violets are often on the menu, it is certainly advisable to cultivate them yourself. Then it is certain that they are free from toxic substances and thus beneficial to health. The sowing and cultivation does not require a lot of horticultural skills:

• Direct sowing possible all year round
• best time April to July
• Fill pots or seed trays with soil
• particularly suitable for sowing soil
• Sprinkle seeds on top and press firmly
• do not cover with soil
• Viola cornuta are light germs
• sprinkle with water
• then always keep it moist, but not wet
• a place in the shade is cheap
• does not dry out so quickly there
• Germination temperature 15 to 18 ° C
• Germination time 8 days to 4 weeks
• as soon as the cotyledons visibly choose a lighter place

tip: If the petals are harvested individually, seeds can form in the seed pods and nothing stands in the way of self-sowing. So it is not always necessary to re-sow.