Edible flowers are trending. Here's how to cook with them
What's the story
Edible flowers are the latest trend in the culinary world, adding a pop of color, unique flavor, and elegance to dishes.
In particular, violas are increasingly popular for their vibrant colors and mild, sweet flavor.
This article highlights five creative ways to use violas in vegan cooking. These ideas elevate everyday vegan dishes to art pieces, without sacrificing taste.
Salad mix
Colorful viola salads
Adding violas to salads is one of the easiest and prettiest ways to boost the nutrition and presentation of your meals.
Simply mix fresh viola petals with your favorite greens like spinach, arugula, and kale. The petals provide a beautiful contrast in color and a delicate floral flavor that balances the earthy taste of the greens.
Include some sliced cucumbers and radishes for an additional layer of freshness.
Vinegar infusion
Viola-infused vinegars
To create viola-infused vinegars, simply fill a jar with white or apple cider vinegar and add fresh viola blooms.
Allow it to rest in a cool, dark place for one to two weeks.
The vinegar will acquire a lovely hue and the delicate essence of violas, making it ideal for salad dressings or marinating vegetables.
Dessert decor
Decorative dessert toppings
Violas can elevate desserts from basic to beautiful with just a sprinkle.
Use fresh or candied viola petals to add a pop of color to cakes, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. They have a natural sweetness that complements both chocolate and fruit-flavored desserts.
For a dramatic look, arrange whole flowers on frosted cakes or sprinkle petals over fruit tarts.
Tea time
Flavorful herbal teas
Making herbal teas with dried viola flowers is not only healthy, but also delicious.
Violas have a mild sedative effect, and pairing them with chamomile or mint creates a soothing drink.
Just steep dried viola flowers in hot water for five minutes, then strain them out.
Sip on this calming tea any time of day to support your wellness routine.
Cool cubes
Creative ice cubes
Make your drinks extra fancy by freezing beautiful viola flowers inside ice cubes.
Just fill an ice cube tray halfway with water, place a single flower facing down in each section, and freeze until solid before adding more water to fill the trays completely.
These pretty ice cubes are great for jazzing up glasses of water for parties, or just making your daily hydration feel special.