These refreshing and colorful edible flower popsicles are the perfect treat for a sunny day or an outdoor event. They're also great as festive ice cubes in your garden to glass botanical drinks.
We truly enjoy popsicles all year round. From Homemade orange blossom creamsicles to Watermelon kiwi mint popsicles, we're enjoying the hydrating and soothing flare popsicles offer us as a healthy (ish) snack.
This recipe was adapted from the lovely Lauren Conrad's edible flower popsicle!
Ingredients:
- Water
- Rose water syrup
- Edible flowers
Tools
- Popsicle molds
- Popsicle stick
- Wooden spoon
How to make these popsicles:
Before you get started, you'll want to make your rose water syrup. Grab some rose water (make your own at home :make your own rose water, some filtered water and sugar. Full recipe here. It's important to use syrup made from rose water instead of rose petals, because you want these popsicles to be clear so you can admire the edible flowers.
- Make your rose water syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium/high heat, heat ½ cup rose water, ½ cup water & 1 cup of sugar until it comes to a simmer.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and continue simmering gently for 5 minutes, reduce heat and let simmer on low for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the liquid cool.
2. Next, you'll add some rose water syrup into your water.
Note: You can also get fancy replace with the water with equal amounts of a cocktail, or our favorites: Iced mint rose green tea, rose water lemonade or lavender lemonade.
3. Then, you're going to add some edible flowers into your popsicle mold. Get the front of your flowers wet by misting some water onto them and pressing them onto the front of your popsicle mold to help them stick. Otherwise they will float to the bottom of the popsicle, making them difficult to see and admire.
4. Add your water + rose water mixture into the popsicle mold, add your sticks and pop them into the freezer. Let them freeze for at least two hours before enjoying.
Popular + delicious flower ideas for your popsicle:
- lilac
- rose
- elderflower
- chamomile
- calendula
- lavender
- jasmin
- hibiscus
- passionflower
- pansy
Where to find edible flowers near you:
I have a whole post dedicated to where to find edible flowers.
- Your own garden: If you are serious about decorating with edible flowers, the best place to get them is from your own organic edible flower garden. Now, I know not everyone has the time and space for an outdoor or even container garden. So, you can do what I do (now that we're living in the Middle East and there is no way I can grow flowers outdoors) and use an indoor garden system. This is how I grow my own lavender, pansies, and more. So - rule of thumb, the very best place to get fresh edible flowers is from your own garden. When I haven't been able to grow my own I've found it expensive to source the amount I need. For a one time project, keep reading.
- Organic farmers: The next best place is to source them from organic farmers. In every country I've lived in I've been able to find someone who grows organic flowers for consumption. They may be very seasonal, so keep reading to learn how to preserve your flowers and make them last as long as you need. But, it's very likely you can find someone who is already growing them.
- Farmers market: The farmers market will often have edible flowers due to their increased popularity. Before certain crops grow, they produce flowers - like squash blossoms, or cucumber flowers. And if you don't see any, ask the vendors. Maybe they'll bring some for you next time!
- Grocery stores: During spring, you will likely see them in your the produce section of your local grocery stores. What I do is buy more than I think I'll need, preserve them. The best way to do is is to and make pressed flowers to preserve them so I can still use their natural beauty when they're no long in season. Sprouts and Whole Foods market has sold edible flowers in their produce section.
- A local nursery: however you'd have to look for organic plants with edible flowers, these are the ones safe for consumption.
- Online sites: If you live in the United States, there are several websites dedicated to selling organic flowers.
- Gourmet sweet botanicals: Gourmet Sweet Botanicals sells high quality Edible Flowers and specialty items and ships direct to your door! These products are harvested, packed and shipped the same day from the farm to ensure the utmost in color, freshness & flavor. They ship nationwide and to Canada using FedEx and UPS overnight services.
- Melissa's farms: Melissa’s Edible flowers complement many dishes, adding glamour and pure elegance. Varieties of edible flowers may include: Carnations, Hollyhocks, Daisies, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Chrysanthemums, Chicory, Cornflower, Lavender, Snapdragon, Violets and Pansies. Few of the edible flowers have a lot of flavor; they are primarily added for color, design and aesthetic value.
safety tips:
A little knowledge goes a long way towards ensuring your health and that of others, so make sure to read through these important precautions before consuming any type of edible flower.
- Not all flowers are edible. Even simply garnishing a dish with a flower that is not edible can make you very ill. Be sure you have properly identified your plant before consuming. If you are foraging in nature, use a plant identification app, which helps people identify harmful vs harmless plant species so they don't get sick from trying new things while hiking through nature. Identify the flower exactly and eat only edible flowers and edible parts of those flowers.
- Most store bought flowers are not safe for consumption. The type of flowers you plan to use for food should never come in contact with pesticides or other chemicals. The best edible flowers are ones you grow organically in your garden. The exception is the very seasonal food grade flowers sold in your local grocery store, more on this below.
- Never harvest flowers growing by the roadside, chemically treated lawns, or areas with lots of animals.
- If you haven't tried a particular flower in culinary uses, taste a small piece of the petal before consuming a whole petal. You can be allergic to flowers. Use flowers sparingly in your recipes due to the digestive complications that can occur with a large consumption rate.
Frequently asked questions:
Are these popsicles safe for kids?
Yes, as long as you're certain you've properly sourced edible flowers.
Can I use these as ice cubes?
I strongly recommend you do! They make great, tasty ice cubes and would be perfect in How to make rose water lemonade or a Cucumber rose gin and tonic
Do these popsicles actually taste good?
Yes, they are very refreshing and light on the floral flavor. If you've never tried rose before: It has a sweet floral flavor, reminiscent of green apples and strawberries.
Are edible flowers good for you?
Each flower has it's own individual benefits, but the short answer: Yes. Many edible flowers are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
How can I store these popsicles?
Store them right in the popsicle mold, or in an airtight container for up to six months. Use wax paper in between each popsicle if storing in an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together.
Refreshing edible flower popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup filtered water
- ¼ cup rose water syrup
- Edible flowers of choice
Instructions
- Add your rose water syrup into your water. and mix, set aside.
Add some edible flowers into your popsicle mold. Get the front of your flowers wet by misting some water onto them and pressing them onto the front of your popsicle mold to help them stick. Otherwise they will float to the bottom of the popsicle, making them difficult to see and admire.
Add your water + rose water mixture into the popsicle mold, add your sticks and pop them into the freezer. Let them freeze for at least two hours before enjoying.