Abstract
On a global scale, people are demanding more attractive and tasty food. Both the quality of foodstuffs and aesthetic aspects contribute to the appearance of consumed meals. The attraction and appeal of individual dishes could be enhanced by edible flowers. New information concerning the composition and nutritional value of edible flowers is also important and represents a sufficient reason for their consumption. The aim of this study is to contribute to the popularization of some selected edible flowers of ornamental plants involving altogether 12 species. The flowers were used to determine their antioxidant capacity, which fluctuated between 4.21 and 6.96 g of ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/kg of fresh mass (FM). Correlation coefficients between antioxidant capacity and the contents of total phenolics and flavonoids were r2 = 0.9705 and r2 = 0.7861, respectively. Moreover, the results were supplemented with new data about the mineral composition of edible flowers (mostly, not found in the available literature). The highest levels of mineral elements were observed in the flowers of species Chrysanthemum, Dianthus or Viola. The most abundant element was potassium, the content of which ranged from 1,842.61 to 3,964.84 mg/kg of FM.
Highlights
For centuries edible flowers have been an integral part of human nutrition and were already described in detail in ancient literature
It is necessary to say that the composition and nutritional value of each botanical species of edible flowers are quite unique [20]
Edible flowers can be used as raw material for the production of various food products, in gastronomy, etc
Summary
For centuries edible flowers have been an integral part of human nutrition and were already described in detail in ancient literature. In Central Europe for example, fried batter-coated black elder (Sambucus nigra) flowers are common, as well as dandelion flowers boiled with sugar (in the past, they were used as ersatz honey). Flowers were used as decorations in food prepared for the nobility, especially for feasts and banquets [1]. Sales of fresh, top-quality flowers for human consumption are increasing worldwide. These products, suitably packed in bunches, boxes, etc. Are sold either directly in farm shops or through various specialized outlets [2]. There are several reasons why the interest in edible flowers is continuously increasing
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