Re: Flowers For Food?

[Guest guest]

What I know is nasturtium leaves and flowers are good in salads. They taste peppery. And is reported to be antibiotic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and has lots of Vitamin C.

Mother Earth News says this about Marigolds

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/williamsc44.html

"Most gardeners are aware that marigolds' pungent flowers and foliage discourage many insects from feasting on nearby crops. But even the odorless varieties are effective: Planted as a border around the garden or in rows next to the vegetables, they act as a trap crop for Japanese beetles. Since those noxious insects like to congregate on the flowers, the gardener simply can shake the collected pests into a can of kerosene . . . Where they'll expire.Meanwhile, the marigolds are just as hard at work underground . . . Controlling nematodes (those tiny, eel-like worms that attack the roots of plants). While scientists can't explain how the plants affect the subterranean spoilers, they do admit that marigolds are effective! In comparing the soil of two plots, one with marigolds and one without, researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (and at other agricultural labs as well) discovered 75°70 to 85% fewer nematodes in the flowered plot. Apparently, a substance is exuded from the little plants that deters these almost invisible crop-destroyers.

EDIBLE FLOWERS

Toward the end of the growing season, I often pull up most of my marigolds and feed both them and their collection of beetles to the chickens and the pigs. However, the blooms are edible not only for livestock, but for humans, too! Dried and crumbled petals can pinch-hit for oh-so-expensive saffron in casseroles, breads, and omelets . . . Adding a unique, subtle flavor to these dishes. Stir-fried alone or with vegetables-the petals add zip to any meal. They're also colorful and tasty in rice, soups, or stews . . . Or when sprinkled on salads. Furthermore, the flowers are nutri tious! They contain carotene, which can be converted in humans to vitamin A."Most gardeners are aware that marigolds' pungent flowers and foliage discourage many insects from feasting on nearby crops. But even the odorless varieties are effective: Planted as a border around the garden or in rows next to the vegetables, they act as a trap crop for Japanese beetles. Since those noxious insects like to congregate on the flowers, the gardener simply can shake the collected pests into a can of kerosene . . . Where they'll expire.

Meanwhile, the marigolds are just as hard at work underground . . . Controlling nematodes (those tiny, eel-like worms that attack the roots of plants). While scientists can't explain how the plants affect the subterranean spoilers, they do admit that marigolds are effective! In comparing the soil of two plots, one with marigolds and one without, researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (and at other agricultural labs as well) discovered 75°70 to 85% fewer nematodes in the flowered plot. Apparently, a substance is exuded from the little plants that deters these almost invisible crop-destroyers.

EDIBLE FLOWERSToward the end of the growing season, I often pull up most of my marigolds and feed both them and their collection of beetles to the chickens and the pigs. However, the blooms are edible not only for livestock, but for humans, too! Dried and crumbled petals can pinch-hit for oh-so-expensive saffron in casseroles, breads, and omelets . . . Adding a unique, subtle flavor to these dishes. Stir-fried alone or with vegetables-the petals add zip to any meal. They're also colorful and tasty in rice, soups, or stews . . . Or when sprinkled on salads. Furthermore, the flowers are nutri tious! They contain carotene, which can be converted in humans to vitamin A."

Backwoods Magazine says this about Dandilions:

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/williamsc44.html

"Legend has it that the people of Atlantis used the dandelion as a food and a tonic. The early colonists brought the dandelion to America from Europe. They used all parts of the plant, even the roots, which they roasted and ground for a coffee-like drink. We know that frontier healers often recommended dandelion greens as a spring tonic. They are full of vitamins unavailable to pioneers during the winter. There is no doubt dandelions have saved lives."

  Katy BrezgerMatt. 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

http://orchardhouseheirlooms.com/index.php heirloom seedsChristian-homesteaders/

-- Flowers For Food?

I have been told that the marigold flower is good to eat. I'm wondering if any of you know anything about this? I'm also wondering what part of the flower should be eaten?I've also read online, that dahlia tubers may or may not be tasty enough to eat. Depends on which type they are. However, it was stated that all the dahlia tubers were very beneficial to you.We know about the benefits that dandelions can give us. Whether from the flower itself, the leaves or the roots.Then there are the various other so called weeds out there that can be eaten and/or used as alternative meds. However, I have never seen, let alone read, any actual books on the eating of flowers. Does anyone know if there are any good books on the eating of flowers and if so, which part of the flower should be eaten.Yes, I have looked on Amazon. Just that I don't know which books on there, are good sources of information.Thanks,Bill