Wild Gardens: the benefits of mushrooms and edible plants
Flowers have always been part of our diet. Broccoli flowers, artichokes, cauliflower, saffron … And what about other edible petals in our gardens?
The flowers contain large amounts of nutrients, some are rich in protein, starch, vegetable fats, amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, E and minerals.
Capucine / Tropaeolum ploi
This plant is popular as an edible flower with its note of peppered arugula. Nasturtium flowers are perfect for seasoning salads not only for its taste, but also the beautiful color it brings to the dish. It also helps to keep several pests away.
Dandelion / Taraxacum from Nale L
Must be harvested young. The leaves are tastier than the flowers. Taste a bit bitter.
Hibiscus / Hibiscus
Slightly acidic. They can be used in salads. It is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It is a cholagogue, a diuretic and a relaxant of the uterine muscles. It is also hypotensive, spasmolytic and cholesterol-lowering. Action on blood pressure and heart health: The bissap has hypotensive properties to fight against high blood pressure, and protective properties for the heart. Studies have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of hibiscus as a natural treatment for high blood pressure.
Jasmine / Jasminum
Very fragrant used mainly in tea, desserts and pies. It is appreciated for its relaxing and sedative virtues. A tea or a tea of jasmine officinale helps to calm tensions and calm the nerves. This preparation is recommended in cases of insomnia, especially during sleep disorders. Jasmine cures spasmodic cough.
Verbena Lemongrass / Aloysia triphylla
Used for teas, creams and desserts. Appreciated for its relaxing and digestive virtues. It is febrifuge, antispasmodic, antifungal and slightly sedative. It also has repellent properties against mosquitoes.
Pumpkin flowers
These fried flowers give an excellent summer snack. More tasty when the thread is removed. Source of many vitamins and phosphorus, iron, magnesium …
Wild Thoughts / Viola tricolor
The flowers and leaves are excellent in salads and sauces. Garnish in salads and flavor added to tea. Used for the treatment of dermatological conditions: eczema, acne, pruritus, seborrhea. Anti-inflammatory action: mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, asthma. Laxative and depurative action: promotes renal elimination and biliary function.
Sunflower
They are the best when they are eaten in bloom. They can be steamed or fried, sweet-bitter taste. Source of essential fatty acids; phytosterols; vitamins and minerals; decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease; Rich in antioxidants.
Radish flowers
The radish flowers have different colors, white, pink or yellow depending on the variety.These flowers have a pungent and spicy flavor, optimas add to the salad.
Calendola officinalis
Ranging from spicy to bitter hot spicy. It tastes like saffron and can be used in soups, salads or pasta dishes.
Borage / Borago officinalis
The flowers can be used in salads, decorative drinks, salty or sweet foods, soup and ice cream. They can also be crystallized for cake decoration. He has little taste of cucumber.
Sage / Salvia officinalis
Flowers have a sweeter taste than the leaf. They can be used in pesto salads, soups and fish dishes. Astringent and antiseptic: in gargles, sage calms sore throat and smoker’s cough. It is also used in cases of gingivitis (sage has anti-inflammatory properties), pharyngitis, tonsillitis or canker sore. Febrifuge: it helps to reduce fever. Nerve Tonic: stimulating the adrenal glands, sage is recommended in case of depression, asthenia, dizziness and hypotension. Digestive: sage facilitates gastric digestion. It also helps to treat vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, to regulate menstrual cycles and to calm menstrual pain. She fights hot flashes at the time of menopause, as well as other disorders related to this period. Antiperspirant: Sage is the most effective plant for controlling excessive sweating and regulating it.
Cauliflower / Brassica spp
Small and delicious flowers can be used in salads.
Lavender / Lavandula spp
Used in jams, jellies, ice cream, cookies, vinegar.The flowers can also be candied, added salad or tea.
Chives / Allium schoenoprasum
The flowers can be used for salads Decorates and added to sauces.They are among the most versatile edible flowers.
Basil / Ocimum basilicum
The flowers are used for salads, pasta and soupa pesto. Antioxidant, basil delays cellular aging and prevents the appearance of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Digestive tonic, it treats bloating, indigestion or heartburn. Febrifuge and stimulant, it reduces fever, feverish states and fatigue. Antispasmodic, it soothes nausea, vomiting, digestive and gastrointestinal spasms.
Rose
Rose petals can be used to make jelly, sauces and meat dishes. The rose is tonic and astringent, revitalizing, regenerating and healing. In external use, it is used in enemas against diarrhea, injections against white losses and gargles against angina.
Rose is used for skin care and is one of many remedies often used to treat wounds that fester. The essence of rose contains anesthetic substance: we use rose distilled water as eye drops to calm the pain of inflammation. Diluted in vegetable oil, the rose essence in local application can treat acne and minor burns, wake up tired skin and prevent the arrival of wrinkles.
On an emotional level, rose essential oil is very effective against anxiety and stress, overwork, strong emotions and transient depression. It is then used in diffusion or inhalation.
This article is inspired by the permaculture site © Da Semente a Árvore by Silvia Floresta in Portuguese.
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Check out other articles from the blog Da Semente a Árvore about Mediterranean plants, mushrooms and gardens
Discover Aldeia do Vale, a permaculture school in Portugal
Discover Quinta das Relvas, a farm in Portugal focused on sustainability and art where i had the chance to meet Silvia and attend the Permaculture Design Course in the context of Build up your life’s Erasmus + project.
