Italy has a rich history of using flowers in its cuisine, dating back to the Middle Ages. It started as a way to add flavor to dishes but soon evolved into an art form. The use of flowers in Italian cuisine is evident in many different foods, from soups and salads to main courses and desserts.
In the modern day, many restaurants still use flowers in their dishes, as it is a unique way to add flavor and beauty to the food. Even individuals can incorporate flowers into their cooking by adding them to a dish they are preparing for a special occasion or simply using them as a garnish.
You can also do this effortlessly. All you need is a Bouqs subscription to deliver you fresh, beautiful edible blooms each month. Read on to understand the rich history of using flowers in Italian cuisine.
Where Did It Start
It all started in rural Italy, where picking flowers and herbs was an everyday activity. If a particular flower or herb were abundant, people would add it to their dish to enhance the flavor. The practice was widespread during the Middle Ages when people couldn’t access many different spices and herbs.
However, the use of flowers went further than just adding flavor. Soon herbs and flowers became critical ingredients in dishes. Frittelle di Fiori de Acacia(Acacia flower doughnuts), for example, is a dish that originated in Venice, made with squash blossoms. Naples’ Sciurilli (Deep fried courgette flowers) is another popular dish that uses flowers as a key ingredient.
What Were The Benefits
Native Italians soon realized that flowers were packed with nutrients and had many benefits. For example, the nasturtium flower is high in Vitamin C, which is essential for preventing scurvy. They also realized that some flowers, like chamomile, could be used as a natural remedy for digestive issues. Calendula was another popular flower with healing properties. It’s still used today in many herbal teas and ointments.
In war, flowers and herbs came in handy as the famine was common. People would add them to dishes to make them more filling and satisfying. It’s where the Minestra di Fiori (flower soup) comes from. It’s made with flowers, vegetables, and beans to help people through tough times.
The Evolution of Using Flowers in Italian Cuisine
As time went on, flowers in Italian cuisine became more refined. In the Renaissance period, many used edible flowers to impress guests. They would be added to dishes and used as decoration. This practice continued into the Baroque period, where flowers were a symbol of wealth and status of the person hosting the meal.
The Most Famous Italian Dishes Made From Flowers
Nowadays, there are still many famous Italian dishes that feature flowers. Here are a few.
Torta di Fiori
The cake’s ingredients are lavender, roses, and violets. It’s a sweet, floral cake that is perfect for a special occasion. You can find it in certain bakeries worldwide specializing in Italian cuisine, or try your hand at making it yourself.
Gelato con Fiori
It’s a type of ice cream with edible flowers. The most popular flavor is lavender, but you can also find it in other floral flavors like rose and violet.
Risotto con Zucchine e Fiori di Zucca
It is a dish made with courgette flowers. It’s a popular dish in Italy and found in many restaurants. It is made with a rice base and has a light, delicate flavor. When done correctly, it is a work of art.
Pizza con Fiori
You’re more likely to find this dish in Naples, Italy. However, more Italian pizzerias are starting to experiment with adding flowers to their pizzas. The most popular flower to use is the squash blossom. They fry the flowers before adding them to the pizza. The result is a delicious, unique pizza worth trying.
Tagliatelle con Fiori di Campo
This dish is made with fresh tagliatelle pasta and various wildflowers. It’s popular in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is light, refreshing, and perfect for a summer day.
Fiori di Zucca Ripieni
This dish is made with squash blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese and fried. It is a popular appetizer in Italy and many restaurants worldwide. It’s simple, but the flavor is complex and delicious.
What Are the Most Popular Flowers Used in Italian Cuisines and The Reasons
Italians use a wide variety of flowers in their cuisine, but some of the most popular include:
Squash Blossoms
These are popular in southern Italy and often used in dishes like Pizza con Fiori and Fiori di Zucca Ripieni. The blossoms are delicate and have a light, sweet flavor.
Lavender
Lavender is a popular ingredient in desserts like Gelato Con Fiori and Torta di Fiori. It has a unique flavor that is both sweet and floral. When used in moderation, it can add a lovely flavor to desserts.
Roses
Roses are ideal in desserts and baking because of their beautiful color and delicate flavor. You can combine them with other flavors like lavender or violet to create a unique dish.
Violets
Violets have a delicate flavor that pairs well with other floral flavors. They go well in desserts but can also be used to flavor savory dishes.
Courgette Flowers
These are popular in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. They are usually used in Risotto con Zucchine e Fiori di Zucca. The flowers have a light, delicate flavor that is perfect for summer.
Flowers also add beauty to an Italian dinner setup. Decorating the table with a simple vase of flowers makes a difference in setting the mood for a romantic or elegant dinner.
If you want to try using flowers in your cooking, start with a simple dish like Risotto con Zucchine e Fiori di Zucca. This dish is light and delicate, and the flavor of the flowers will shine through. You can also make Torta di Fiori or Gelato con Fiori. These desserts are sure to impress your guests.
The Art of Using Flowers in Italian Cuisine
Flowers in Italian cuisine are more about adding flavor and beauty to a dish than anything else. Many restaurants still use them in their foods, and you can find cookbooks dedicated to recipes incorporating flowers. So the next time you want to add something special to your dish, consider using a flower or two.
