Are magnolia flowers edible or poisonous?
Some magnolia varieties have edible flowers.
🌸 Magnolia Soulangean: produces pink and white flowers that bloom between late winter and early spring when the tree is still bare.
🌸 Magnolia Grandiflora: is an evergreen variety with large white flowers blooming in May.
How are magnolia flowers eaten? Fresh petals can enhance salads, garnish desserts and cocktails, enhance savory dishes, or be used for aromatic teas.
Are magnolia flowers safe to eat? Yes, they are safe to eat, but it’s important to pick them from plants not treated with pesticides and in non-polluted environments.
RECIPES with edible flowers
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 1 Person
- Cooking methods: No cooking
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring
- Energy 14.72 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 1.19 (g) of which sugars 0.16 (g)
- Proteins 0.60 (g)
- Fat 1.07 (g) of which saturated 0.16 (g)of which unsaturated 0.04 (g)
- Fibers 0.93 (g)
- Sodium 102.92 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 1 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
RECIPES with magnolia flowers
- as needed edible flowers (of Magnolia)
- as needed catalogna (the more tender inner leaves, alternatively baby spinach)
- as needed capers
- 1 drizzle extra virgin olive oil
Gather magnolia flowers
To gather flowers without damaging the plant, pick them in the morning when they are just opened and still fresh with dew, to preserve their tender texture and delicate flavor. Cut them with clean scissors and handle them carefully to avoid damaging the petals.
To wash magnolia petals, gently detach the petals, immerse them in cold water for a few minutes, agitate them to remove residues, then drain them. Pat them dry with a clean cloth or let them air dry.
RECIPE SALAD WITH MAGNOLIA FLOWERS
Arrange the flower petals on a plate.
Add other raw vegetables like catalogna chicory, lettuce, arugula, spinach, or puntarelle, along with capers. Season with a drizzle of oil and adjust salt only if necessary.
Pour the magnolia petals into a pan with a drizzle of oil. Then add salt (or soy sauce) and a little sugar. It is important to add sugar or honey because during cooking this flower tends to develop a bitter taste not perceived when raw.
Cook for a few minutes, stirring, just long enough to wilt them.
NOTE: for this recipe, it is advisable to use less perfect petals, avoiding waste. It is preferable to enjoy them raw to best appreciate their taste, freshness, and delicate crunchiness.
IN THE KITCHEN
🍀 Bites of cheesecake – Insert cream and crushed cookies inside the buds.
🍀 Jams and preserves – Add a floral touch to homemade preserves.
🍀 Hummus container – A natural and edible alternative for serving dip.
🍀 Culinary decorations – Perfect for garnishing any dish or cocktail.
🍀 Desserts – Petals can flavor batters and creams or enrich desserts.
🍀 Fried – Coat all petals with batter or eggs and breadcrumbs.
🍀 Infusions and teas – Dried or fresh, they provide a delicate and relaxing aroma.
🍀 Aromatic liqueurs and grappa – Macerated in alcohol, they give a refined taste.
🍀 Risottos and savory dishes – Petals add a delicate floral note.
IN COSMETICS
🍀 Aromatic baths – Petals in hot water relax and soften the skin.
🍀 Face masks – Ground and mixed with clay or honey for a brightening effect.
🍀 Perfumed oil – Macerated in natural oils, they provide fragrance and nourishment to the skin.
🍀 Natural scrub – Mixed with sugar or salt for gentle exfoliation.
🍀 Facial toner – A refreshing infusion that balances delicate skin.
How to store magnolia flowers?
They are stored in the refrigerator, immersed in water inside a container to maintain freshness and aroma. They can also be dried to preserve them and use in future preparations.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What does the magnolia flower taste like?
Magnolia has a delicate, citrusy, and slightly spicy taste, with hints of vanilla, ginger, or cinnamon. The petals are crispy and perfect for desserts and gourmet dishes.
Do magnolia flowers have health benefits?
Magnolia flowers are known for their calming and antioxidant properties. They can aid digestion and relax the body, especially when consumed in infusions.
What does gifting a magnolia symbolize?
Gifting a magnolia symbolizes nobility, perseverance, and pure love. It is a flower that represents dignified beauty, inner strength, and harmony, making it a perfect gift to express respect, admiration, or sincere affection.
