Though they may seem like a surprise ingredient to some, fresh flowers have a range of delightful flavors from spicy to sweet. They can be used in a variety of dishes, or use them as edible garnishes. When choosing edible flowers, make sure that the flowers you use are indeed edible. Some flowers are poisonous, and others can cause allergic reactions. It's also important that the flowers are grown without pesticides. Your safest bet: Buy fresh flowers from a food store, or grow edible varieties at home without pesticides. Generally, flower shops are not good sources because the flowers are usually treated with pesticides.

Edible flowers are best eaten the same day they are picked. To store for brief periods, rinse fresh flowers thoroughly but gently under a slow steam of cool water. Drain, place between layers of paper towels, and refrigerate until ready to use.