Edible Flowers & Organic Wine Pairing

Since I studied to become a Herbalist, I have always had an interest in herbs, and flowers. So, you can imagine my delight when I was invited to an edible flower lunch.  Over the years, I have gone through stages of growing various herbs and flowers, and using them in recipes, medicinally, and for cosmetics.  It is my passion, and the more I can experience, and learn about herbs, and flowers the better. The highlight is that all wines, and flowers are organic.

The “cherry on the top” was having our 5 course meal paired with the Earthbound Organic Wines. Earthbound Organic Wines employ flowers to spread its message.  The story of Earthbound begins with the land; land tended naturally for the excellent wines it will yield this season, but more importantly – for the good of generations to follow. To highlight this vision, Earthbound has embraced the beautiful and delicious world of edible flowers. Like blossoms of the fields, Earthbound represents natural perfection, optimism and health organically-certified grapes, farmed under Fairtrade principles.

Now, in a symbiotic collaboration with Earthbound, MasterChefSA season 2 finalist and owner of the Pure Good Food, chef Shannon Smuts shares the vision. Pure Good is a go-to health and wellness solution for corporate businesses, and is heavily involved in social development. It supports Baphumelele Fountain of Hope Youth farm in Philippi, Cape Town, which houses orphaned youth between the ages of 18-21year and grows organic vegetables.Smuts met Earthbound winemaker Heinrich Kulsen recently and discussed flavour pairings and tasting notes, before developing a menu for a taste test session with a few friends. The flowers bring a very different and creative element to food and wine pairing, and must complement both the food and the wines served. 

• Flowers have long been used in food, and drinks. Think of Verbena, Chamomile and Jasmine teas.  Less common are edible flowers such as Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Violas, Dandelions, Borage, Chives, Fuchsias and Pansies. I thought I would take this opportunity to share more info with you on edible flowers.  Any flower that is not poisonous, and has no adverse effects on us, is called edible. But, I would highly recommend that you check with your nursery before buying them to plant. Edible flowers add a touch of colour, flavour, and healing properties to your dish.Marigolds:  Yellow, gold, orange flowers.  Tangy, bitter, peppery taste. Serve with salads, soups or pastas.
• Chrysanthemum:  Yellow, white flowers. Taste citrusy. Serve with seafood, salads or sandwiches.
• Nasturtium:  Shades of red to white. Peppery flavour, similar to watercress. Seeds can be made into capers. Tasty combinations include cheese, salad and meat dishes.
• Pansy:  Lilac, white, pink, or yellow flowers. Sweet flavour.  Great garnish for a green salad, desert or pate.
• Petunia:  A variety of different colours.  Mild flavour. Garnish for salads and soups.
• Geranium:  White, red, pink, or purple flowers. Fruity flavours ranging from apple to lemon. Taste good with casseroles, salads and pork dishes.
• Sunflower:  Bright yellow flowers. Flowers are bittersweet. Sunflower seeds can be eaten raw, or roasted to make a healthy, tasty snack.
• Begonias:  White, pink, yellow, red, orange flowers.  Citrus flavour.  Taste good with anything that is enhanced by the taste of lemon.
• Violets: Violet, pink, and white flowers. Sweet to sour flavour, similar to lettuce.  Enhance all salads and raw food meals.
• Rose:  A large assortment of colours.  The better the smell, the better the taste. Delicious with fruit dishes, drinks, and jellies

All of the above edible flowers can be crystalised with sugar, and used to decorate deserts, and cakes.

Watch this space, as Pepe, our food guru, will be sharing recorded interviews with Heinrich, and Shannon. Two young, and inspiring people.

For more information, visit www.earthboundwines.co.za. Find Earthbound Wines on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EarthboundWines/ and Twitter @EarthboundWines.

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