Flower Power

    Flowers instantly beautify any dish. Here's how to pick the right ones for your food and get the most flavor out of them.
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    colorful edible flowers

    Food and blooms have been BFFs for centuries: Romans added violets and roses to their meals, and Victorian-era cooks were partial to petals, too. We can see why. Flowers instantly pretty up a dish—and add surprising flavor. Look for them near the herbs at the supermarket or at the farmers’ market. Your florist may also sell them. (Just ask if they’ve been sprayed with pesticides.) Or find a garden’s worth of options online at sites like gourmetsweetbotanicals.com.

    Five to try:

    Calendulas

    This marigold variety has a peppery flavor that’s great for garnishing soups and rice.

    Nasturtiums

    Bright with a spicy kick. Add to an arugula salad or an omelet (in the filling and as a garnish).

    Roses

    Steep petals in water for tea or in simple syrup for cocktails.

    Violets

    Dunk these purple blooms in simple syrup, transfer to parchment paper, sprinkle with sugar, and let dry. Add to any dessert.

    Zucchini Blossoms

    These mild butter-yellow blooms, available in summer, are luscious the Italian way: stuffed with herbs and ricotta, then battered and fried.