Your garden or balcony is probably hiding a secret pantry full of colorful surprises! Beyond just looking pretty, many flowers are actually edible, making them the perfect garnish or a unique flavor booster for your favorite dishes. But what about the scented geranium? Can you actually eat those?
Are all geraniums edible?
When we talk about geraniums, we’re usually referring to *Pelargoniums*, those South African beauties that come in countless varieties. Whether you have the upright types, trailing ivy geraniums, regal geraniums, or the famous scented varieties, here’s the good news: for us humans, they are all technically edible!
Note:
While geraniums are non-toxic for dogs and cats, they can be harmful to some small pets. Keep the leaves and flowers away from your guinea pigs and other little rodents.
Scented geraniums: The flavor champions
While standard geraniums are safe to eat, they don’t exactly taste like a gourmet meal. Scented geraniums, on the other hand, are a total game-changer for your taste buds. There is a huge variety to choose from—some smell and taste like refreshing mint, others like zesty lemon, and some even mimic the delicate scent of roses. While the flowers are lovely, the leaves are actually where that intense aromatic punch comes from.
Pro Tip:
The scent of these plants isn’t just for us—it’s also a natural pest repellent! They are great at keeping annoying mosquitoes and wasps at bay while you enjoy your patio.
How to use them in your kitchen
You can use both the blossoms and the leaves to decorate or flavor your food. Depending on the variety you grow, they can work wonders in both savory and sweet recipes:
- Lemon-scented geraniums are perfect for flavoring teas, sorbets, or adding a zingy twist to fruit salads.
- Rose-scented geraniums pair beautifully with berries and are a fantastic secret ingredient for cakes and desserts.
- Mint-scented geraniums can be used anywhere you’d typically use fresh mint.
For the best flavor, harvest your geraniums right before you plan to use them. If you want a bumper crop of flowers, make sure to keep them in a sunny spot and give them plenty of love. If it’s too shady or damp, your scented geraniums might not bloom much. If you overwinter your plants indoors, you can enjoy these tasty treats for years to come!
A quick note on “edible” quality
If you’re ready to start cooking with your garden blooms, just make sure they are “kitchen-ready.” This means avoiding any plants treated with synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. The best way to ensure they are organic is to propagate your own plants at home. Also, try to avoid harvesting from balcony boxes that face heavy traffic to keep your snacks free from road dust and exhaust.
