Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme may be the standard herbs we pull from our garden when cooking, but they are by no means the only options. Edible herbs, vegetables, and flowers can add color, flavor, fun, and surprise to your dishes. Here are some adventurous recipes for you to try, featuring many of the edible plants we sell right here at Rolling Green Nursery.
You can eat fried zucchini blossoms or make squash blossom pesto.
You can make the best jambalaya of your life with fresh okra picked right from your yard.
Nasturtium can add pops of fiery red, yellow, and orange to your soups, salads, dressings, and more. How does Tomato Nasturtium Salad with Dates and Pistachios sound?
You can make honeysuckle and blackberry popsicles for a summery, healthy treat for the kids, or as a light dessert at your summer BBQ.
The Moringa Oleifera variety from Baker Creek rare seeds is well suited to grow in a container here in N.H. The Dwarf Moringa contains 46 antioxidants, 18 amino acids, and is a complete protein all by itself, packing a hefty nutritional punch. Here are 15 ways to use Moringa in food.
Shungiku Edible Chrysanthemum, also from Baker Creek rare seeds, has tasty greens that can be used in stir fries, soups, and salads. The flowers can also be used to make medicinal tea. (As a bonus, planting these in your veggie garden can help repel bugs.)
Lavender’s smokey, savory, sweet perfume can infuse your dishes with unexpected flavors. In the heat of summer, you can make lavender and lemonade beverages to cool you down (and you can even add a little gin and spritzer for a refreshing cocktail!) You can mix lavender into a jar of honey, or bake lavender shortbread cookies.
Is anyone else getting hungry?
A rose-topped cocktail may look too pretty to actually drink, but one taste of this rosewater lemonade (also infused with vodka) will leave you coming back for more.
Shiso, also called Japanese basil, is an absolute must for herb gardens! Shiso’s incredible flavor can be described as a combination of cinnamon, mint, and cloves with overtones of cumin. A beautiful heat- and drought-tolerant bedding plant that comes in both red and green colors, in addition to attracting pollinators.
The possibilities are endless! Visit our Pinterest Boards for more information on edible plants. And visit our Plant Center (open seven days a week–just like a grocery store!), to sample our Baker Creek rare seed collection, and our extensive selection of edible herbs, vegetables, and flowers. Bon appetite!