Edible flowers are often quite delicate and can either wilt or get freezer burn if stored at too a temperature.
Here's how to properly store them so they stay fresher for longer! All you'll need is a moist paper towel and an airtight container.
How to Use Edible Flowers
Edible flowers can be used as a topping for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They're also lovely in baked goods and look especially cute pressed onto shortbread cookies. They can be candied and added to cakes as well.
If you love edible flowers as much as we do, be sure to check out our full guide on types of edible flowers and how to use them.
How long do edible flowers last?
How long edible flowers will keep depends on the flower. If it's a delicate flower that has been removed from the stem (like pansies, orange blossoms, and nasturtiums) they may only last 8 to 10 days in the refrigerator. Hardier flowers (like herb flowers, chive blossoms, and marigolds) will usually last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Can you dry edible flowers?
You can dehydrate most edible flowers in a dehydrator at 120 degrees F. They'll take several hours.
For herb flowers like lavender and basil, you can hang them on their stems and allow them to air dry. This process will take several days to weeks.
Where can you get edible flowers?
It can be tricky to find edible flowers, so the easiest and most reliable way is to grow them yourself! Beyond that, farmer's markets are a great place to look. You can usually find chive blossoms, nasturtiums, and zucchini flowers in spring and summer from local growers.
The edible flowers pictured in this post were purchased at Whole Foods. At your local supermarket, check the section with the clamshell herb packets - sometimes, they'll have an edible flower mix.
Finally, you can purchase edible flowers online. Fresh flowers can be purchased at Gourmet Sweet Botanicals, and dried flowers can be found on Amazon and Etsy.
More Cooking Guides
- Types of Onions and How to Use Them
- How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
- How to Peel a Pomegranate
- How to Make Preserved Lemons
How to Keep Edible Flowers Fresh
Here's how to keep delicate edible flowers fresher for longer. This typically prolongs their freshness for 5 days to a week.
Ingredients
- edible flowers
- several pieces of moist paper towel*
- an airtight container
Instructions
- Layer the bottom of an airtight plastic or glass container with a moist paper towel. Place a layer of flowers on top, starting with the largest or sturdiest flowers you have.
- Gently place another piece of paper towel on top of the layer of flowers. Then repeat with a layer of flowers.
- Continue till the container is full or you are out of flowers.
- Snap the lid on and place it in a refrigerator till you are ready to use the flowers.**
Notes
*The paper towel should be slightly damp. If it's too wet, it will crush the flowers.
**Plan to use your flowers in no more than 5 to 7 days.
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