Can Carnations Be Eaten? Understanding Their Edibility and Safety

1. Whether They Can Be Eaten

Many kinds of flowers are edible. We can easily name quite a few, such as "chrysanthemum," "rose," "rapeseed flower," and so on. However, not every flower can be eaten. This is because many kinds of flowers are toxic, such as "datura," "narcissus," "azalea," and so on. If eaten by mistake, they may harm your health. But as for the "carnation," it is not toxic and can be eaten without worry.

2. How to Eat Them

(1) Floral tea: This tea is fairly well known and well liked. The method is also relatively simple: remove parts such as the calyx and stem of the flower. Then, put the remaining parts into an oven to dry. Note that you should turn them frequently so they are heated more evenly. Once done, put them into an airtight jar, then place it in the refrigerator. When you want to use them, take them out and brew them in water.

(2) Floral wine: First prepare salt water, then put the fresh flowers in and soak them for about two hours. This is done to remove the astringent taste and also to kill bacteria. After that, take them out, and once they are dry, put them into baijiu. Add an appropriate amount of rock sugar. Then seal it and place it in a cool, shaded place. After two or three months, take it out and open it, and it is ready to drink. You will find that the fragrance and color of the flowers have fully blended with the liquor.

(3) Floral porridge: Mix fresh, washed petals with rice, water, and so on, then cook it into porridge. This method is relatively simple, and the ingredients are not hard to find.

3. Precautions

(1) First, of course, check whether the flowers have been contaminated by pesticides. Before making anything, be sure to wash them thoroughly.

(2) Also, choose relatively fresh flowers for the best results.