How to Make Candied Flowers From Fresh Flowers

Candied flowers are a lovely way to decorate desserts and other foods. It is very easy to make candied flowers from flowers grown in your garden or edible wild flowers.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Edible flowers
• Egg white
• Vodka
• Paintbrush
• Superfine sugar
• Drying rack

1. Choose unblemished flowers that are from an organic nursery that uses no pesticides or clip flowers from your own garden. Shake the flowers well to rid them of any hidden insects. Remove the inner parts of the flower- the stamen, styles, and sepals. These hold pollen and can cause an allergic reaction in those who react to pollen.

2. Beat the egg white until foamy. Add in just a few drops of vodka. Brush the petals until very lightly coated. Place on the wire rack then shake a fine dusting of superfine sugar until the flower petals are coated.

3. Set aside to dry. This can take several days. Once fully dried the petals will be crisp and brittle. You may place into a container and freeze until needed or use immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Vodka can be omitted from the egg white wash, but speeds the drying process.
• Powdered sugar can be substituted for superfine, but can clump. Sift carefully.
• Splenda can be used in place of sugar. Run through a food processor to create a fine powder.
• Never use chemically treated flowers. This can impart a bad taste and is hazardous to your health.
• Do not use flowers if a guest has severe allergies.

Resources

• Cooking with flowers