5 drinks from edible flowers you need to try now

Mahatma Gandhi once said, 

“The rose doesn’t have to propagate its perfume. It just gives it forth, and people are drawn to it. Live it, and people will come to see the source of your power.”

Flowers teach us a lot of things in life. Research has shown that apart from the learnings, flowers also benefit us mentally and physically. A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants’ behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.

A numerous types of tree flowers are present in nature and few of them such as Rhododendron, Bauhinia, Mahua, Gulmohar, Palash, Sesbania, Woodfordia, Simbal, etc. are being utilized traditionally as food and medicine by the localities of India.

These flowers are rich in phytochemical (flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, tannins, saponins) and possessing numerous health benefits (antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer activity, anti-diabetic activity, hepatoprotective activity)

Source: Food Research International journal

In this article we will be discussing the preparation and health benefits of 5 such wonderful flowers – 

1. Hibiscus – There are many varieties of hibiscus flowers grown but the one that is normally used is Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus tea is a very famous drink that people enjoy. This tea has a beautiful magenta color and has numerous health benefits like – rich in antioxidants, lowers blood pressure, has heart protective effect, boosts immunity and even helps to reduce period pain. 

Hibiscus juice/cooler – Just add hibiscus flowers to boiling water, switch off gas and let it steep for 2-3 min. Add jaggery/honey, consume it hot or add lime juice and have it chilled as a juice.

1. Rose – Rose has been known from ancient times to be used in various cuisines. Right from preparing the ever famous gulkand to making rose syrup that is used in various mocktails and drinks. Rose helps to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also good for skin and hair, hence many cosmetic products use rose water as one of the ingredients to promote smooth skin.

With summer approaching, Rose mojito is the drink to go for. Its cooling properties combined with that of sabja seeds or basil seeds is refreshing and full of health benefits. 

Recipe: In a tall glass, add rose syrup, soaked sabja seeds, crushed ice, lemon juice, crushed mint leaves and top it up with soda. Serve chilled!

1. Butterfly pea flower – Flower that is known for its wonderful blue hue. In recent times, the plant has been studied for its antioxidant properties due to the presence of anthocyanins and its beneficial effect on skin. When the acidity of the pea flower tea changes, the color changes as well. This quality makes butterfly pea flower a popular ingredient among mixologists for specialty cocktails.

Pea flower tea is the most popular beverage gaining popularity. To make butterfly pea flower tea, also referred to as “blue tea,” simply add 1 teaspoon (4 grams) of dried flowers to 1 cup (240 mL) of hot water, let it steep for 10 min to get the blue hue and then strain. Honey or maple syrup can be added for sweetness. Adding lemon juice will turn the color from blue to deep purple.

1. Moringa flowers – While everyone knows that moringa is a super food and has multiple health beneficial properties, not all are aware about the usage of moringa flowers in the form of drink. Moringa flowers are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that can help boost the immune system and protect overall vision health.

To make moringa flower tea, boil water with ginger and turmeric roots. Switch off the gas, add moringa flowers, allow to steep for 10 min. Strain and serve immediately with or without honey.

1. Dandelion flowers – Dandelion is rich in potassium that helps in managing high blood pressure. The polysaccharides in dandelion are known to reduce stress on the liver and support its ability to produce bile. Dandelion tea offers potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cholesterol levels, and fighting flu. Adding dandelion tea to your daily diet can help in improving overall health.

To prepare the tea, For making dandelion flower tea, pick young flowers or either dry them or use fresh. Wash them well and allow them to steep in a cup of hot water for a few minutes. Just sip them as such since they are a bit sweet to taste. Alternatively, can be used as a base for any type of cocktails or mocktails.

Apart from these, there are many other edible flowers that can be used as tea or in making other types of beverages. Take your pic based on what suits your body and for the type of health condition. Those who are allergic to pollens or flowers, need to research well before using these edible flowers.