Flower drinks: hibiscus, linden, elderflower, lavender

Flowers are not only for giving — some can be brewed: hibiscus tea, linden tea, elderflower cordial and lavender lemonade are long-loved drinks with floral flavour and scent. Here are the most popular flower drinks and the safety rules, because not every flower belongs in a cup.

Fresh flowers for beauty, not the teacup: spray roses and potted plants.

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Popular flower drinks

• Hibiscus tea — made from dried Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces; tart and ruby-red, good hot or iced.
• Linden tea — a Ukrainian classic: linden blossom is picked in early summer and dried in the shade.
• Elderflower cordial — popular in Europe; only the flowers of black elder are used, as the leaves, stems and unripe berries are toxic.
• Lavender lemonade — made with culinary lavender and only a little, or it quickly tastes soapy.
• Jasmine tea — usually green tea scented with jasmine flowers.

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Safety rules

• Only use flowers that are definitely edible — bought from food shops or grown without chemical treatment.
• Flowers from a bouquet are not suitable: cut flowers are treated with plant-protection products.
• Many ornamental plants are poisonous — lily of the valley, oleander, foxglove, monkshood. If in doubt, leave it out.
• Flower teas can cause allergies; if you are pregnant, have a chronic condition or take medication, ask a doctor first.

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Serving ideas

• Ice cubes with edible petals frozen inside.
• A carafe of hibiscus tea with orange slices on a summer table.
• A gift set: a jar of dried linden blossom and a pretty cup.

Which flowers can be used to decorate food: New Year food decorating.

FAQ

Can I brew rose petals from a bouquet?

No: roses grown for bouquets are treated with plant-protection products. Drinks need roses grown specifically for culinary use.

When should linden blossom be picked?

During flowering, in dry weather and away from roads; dry it in the shade and store somewhere dry.

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

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