Petals n Buds offers a selection of edible organic flowers, grown exclusively for Petals n Buds, on Vancouver Island, by a private organically operating farm. This farm is called ‘Hope Farm Healing Centre’ and is operated by the Ministry of the ‘Mustard Seed Street Church.’ All produce is guaranteed grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, or genetically modified seeds.
For us, organic growing much more than simply removing the chemicals from the growing process; it is about developing an understanding of the plants we grow, the earth they grow in, and their ideal growing environment. It is about working with the seasons, improving the soil, participating in the eco cycle and letting plants mature at a pace which allows their full flavors to develop. Petals n Buds is happy to share with you our love for flowers, color, and the flavor our natural environment supplies.
Gen. 1:29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.
Buying edible flowers:
Petals n Buds edible organic flowers are sold three formats:
- Full Plant form, allowing you to harvest in your kitchen, as desired.
- Whole flower heads, cut fresh-daily, and provided exclusively for pre-ordering customers.
- Pre-packaged mixed garden salad with multiple floral varieties and luscious organic greens.
In order to reduce our carbon footprint we will recycle planters and where we cut and package our flowers for delivery, we use a biodegradable and completely compostable box. Packages will be available for pick-up or can be delivered one day ahead. Because flowers are susceptible to the vagaries of greater Victoria’s weather, please note that we must contact you to confirm your order, and to insure that we are able to meet your requirements. Our edible flowers are very popular with the public and caterers alike so the more notice you give us, the better we can guarantee your flower choices availability.
Flowers available:
Spring 2012 Petals n Buds will have the following flowers available…
- Nasturtiums [Tropaeolum Majus] which are often pickled and used like capers. Nasturtiums have a sweet peppery flavor and are mildly pungent.
- Whole flower is available in shades of cream, orange, red, yellow, with some bicolours; June/July to September.
- Calendula Officinal’s tastes like the poor man’s saffron which is spicy, tangy, peppery and adds a golden hue to foods.
- The florets are predominantly blue, with some pinks & purples are available; June/July to September.
- Cornflower is more popularly known by the name Bachelor’s Buttons and tastes sweet to spicy [similar to cloves].
- Just the petals or as whole plants are available in shades of orange and yellow; June to September.
About edible flowers!
Edible organic flowers are a beautiful touch for any meal and have been eaten throughout the world for centuries. Edible flowers were especially popular in the Victorian era yet, despite their historically wide following, garnishing with flowers seemed to fall out of favour in North America in all but the most exclusive dining establishments…until now. EXCITINGLY, cooking and garnishing with flowers is back in vogue once again. Petals n Buds applauds this trend and offers assistance to both professional chefs and innovative home cooks to garnish their entrees with flower blossoms, organically grown, right here on Vancouver Island.
Using edible flowers:
Organic edible flowers can be used fresh and whole to visually enhance an elegant dish, dried and ground into a powder and used as spice, or infused into oil for garnish and dressings. There are hundreds of edible flowers to choose from that will add flavor to food and color to a table; you can add calendula for spiciness to a Thai dish or arrange delicate sweet violets on a wedding cake for a touch of elegance. Roses and orange flowers are commonly used in Middle Eastern and Persian foods; lilies are used in China; cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums are used in Japan; lavender is a favorite in England and France; and the Mediterranean countries enjoy saffron in their food.