Our Co-director Maud, collects beautiful summer blooms to benefit her and her families diet and skin. Below is a picture of some of the petals she has preserved over the recent weeks. Scroll down for a handy list of flowers you can harvest this June.
Rose petals
PRIMARY BENEFITS: GOOD DIGESTION , BRIGHTER SKIN & RELAXING FRAGRANCE
Helps to even skin tone and reduces the appearance of fine lines and blemishes when petals are infused in a carrier oil (olive oil or sweet almond oil) and applied to skin. Dried petals can be added to teas to 'aid digestion and relieve digestive upset'.
Dandelion petals
PRIMARY BENEFITS: ALL PARTS CAN BE CONSUMED (EXCEPT FOR FLUFFY SEEDS) & IMMUNE BOOSTER
Dandelions are high in antioxidants and combined with vinegar into a dressing is a wonderful immunity booster. They are also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can be submerged in sugar syrup to create a vegan dandelion honey which has a surprisingly similar floral flavouring to bee's honey. If you are feeling adventurous try dandelion fritters, a crunchy, mid-day snack.
Elder flower
PRIMARY BENEFITS: GOOD CORDIAL
Synonymous with summer drinks, elder flowers can used to add floral summer flavour to your drinks at no extra cost. Check out this handy guide by BBC goodfood which lists the many uses of elderflower in the kitchen.
Please note: Elder flowers must not be consumed raw, cooking destroys the mildly toxic chemicals. Berries and flowers are the only edible part of the plant.
Calendula petals
PRIMARY BENEFITS: MARVELOUS MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Applying calendula infused oil to cuts and scrapes helps them to heal faster according to studies and improve skin heath due to its antioxidant properties. See this handy recipe for a DIY Calendula Salve.
Honey suckle flowers
PRIMARY BENEFITS: SWEET FLAVOUR
If you are lucky to come across honey suckle, you may find that they live up to their name. Sweet in flavour and naturally antiviral they are a delicious addition to teas. You may also add these blooms into your cleaning regime to freshen your home a lovely sweet smell by adding to a basic all purpose vinegar spray.
Happy foraging and have a lovely flower filled summer!