Thursday, April 16, 2015

N is for Nasturtium - Edible Beauty

I have enjoyed many gardening successes and plenty of failures. One that comes to mind from the first category is nasturtium. The large seeds are easy to handle (unlike snapdragon seeds, for example) and sprout quite well sown directly into garden soil.

As my blog title suggests, the flowers are edible. Just be sure not to use pesticides on them, but they are hardy enough plants that I never needed any. Silky on the tongue, their petals deliver a delicately peppered little snap to salads. Ingesting the flowers is even said to provide some dietary vitamin C and lutein. While some folks eat the leaves, I have not yet tried them.

Unfortunately, the space I used to grow nasturtiums has been rendered too shady. I really ought to try fitting these annuals in with my perennials out front. Surely I can squeeze in a few. Recalling this interesting plant makes me want to try.

I learned that a perennial type exists, as well. A little more research is required before I seek it out. Meanwhile, I want to go annual flower seed shopping. ~rubs hands together~ Is it May yet? Now that things are warming up I’m ready to garden.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

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10 comments:

  1. I grow nasturtiums in my garden every year; they are so pretty. I often add the flowers to salads. They really brighten up a plate and taste nice and peppery. Love your blog!

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    1. Thank you so much! I really adored your post on cat naming, by the way. Happy gardening!

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  2. They are very tasty and kook lovely on the plate! I'm off shopping for my first summer bedding plants this very afternoon. I love this time of year!

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    1. Ooh! Have fun. I love it now, too, before the heat blazes in. My "bonus bucks" reward to a favorite garden center aren't good until June. Darn it. ~grin~ Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  3. They are very tasty and look lovely on the plate! I'm off shopping for my first summer bedding plants this very afternoon. I love this time of year!

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  4. I'm so bummed. I went to the farmer's market one year to buy some nasturtiums to try.

    One of the chefs of a major restaurant here had just come that morning and bought every last one at the market. :(

    I STILL don't know for sure what one tastes like. I think I've had them, and know how to describe the flavor, but I still bear a grudge for that chef. Meany-pie. :)

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    1. Bummer! I really need to grow some this summer. It's been way too long. Happy spring!

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  5. Wow- what a name! I have a grey thumb- as in some things grow and others die and wither away to a shriveled death. The 110 degree weather in Vegas doesn't help. I prefer jeweley making, All the pretty stones- and the folklore behind them- are fascinating

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    1. What an awesome hobby. The possibilities are endless with all the jewelry crafting materials available now. Thank you for stopping by. Happy crafting!

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  6. I have seen these in recipes for garnish and in salads but have never tried eating them. That's interesting that they have a slight pepper taste!

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