Nasturtiums are a cheerful and tasty edible flower that can add spice and color to many dishes Their bright orange and yellow blossoms have a pleasantly peppery taste When dried, nasturtium flowers retain much of their flavor and vibrant color. Dried nasturtiums can be used as a peppery seasoning or colorful garnish. With a few simple steps, you can easily dry your own nasturtium flowers to use in recipes all year long.
Why Dry Nasturtium Flowers
Fresh nasturtium flowers only last about 5-7 days when picked so drying them extends their usefulness. Dried nasturtiums are handy to have in your pantry and can be
- Used as a substitute for pepper. Their mild peppery taste adds flavor to dishes.
- Used as a colorful garnish for salads, pastas, grain dishes, and more.
- Added to herbed salts, sugars, and vinegars for extra flavor.
- Infused into oils and liquors to impart their essence.
- Mixed into teas and tisanes as an aromatic and antioxidant.
Drying concentrates the peppery flavor of the blossoms. An added benefit is that drying often intensifies their bright colors as well.
How to Dry Nasturtium Flowers
Harvest Flowers at Peak Quality
Pick nasturtium flowers just after they have fully opened. Choose blossoms that are vibrantly colored without any browning. Handle them gently to avoid bruising.
Check for and remove any bugs before drying. Give flowers a good shake and look closely for aphids before using.
Dry Quickly and Evenly
To retain the best flavor and color, dry the blossoms quickly and evenly. There are a few methods you can use:
Air Drying
Tie small bunches of stems together and hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark place. This can take 1-2 weeks.
Dehydrator
Arrange individual flowers in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at 95-115°F until crisp, about 2 to 4 hours.
Oven
Spread flowers on a baking sheet in a single layer. Prop oven door open slightly and dry at lowest temperature setting for 2 to 4 hours.
Microwave
Place flowers between paper towels and microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Check frequently to avoid scorching.
Store in Airtight Containers
Once fully dried, the flowers will be brittle and crumble easily. Store the dried blossoms in airtight glass jars or resealable plastic bags. Keep in a cool, dark place and use within 1 year.
For longest shelf life, store dried flowers in the freezer. They will keep for 2 to 3 years frozen.
How to Use Dried Nasturtiums
Here are some of the top ways to use your home-dried nasturtium flowers:
Add to Savory Dishes
- Sprinkle on salads, pasta, pizza, eggs, cheese, and more as an edible garnish.
- Mix into rice, quinoa, couscous, and other grains.
- Blend into dips, spreads, and sauces for a pop of color and mild spiciness.
- Add to soups, stews, and chilis just before serving.
Make Herbed Salts and Sugars
- Blend dried flowers into sea salt or sugar. Use to rim glasses or sprinkle on foods.
- Mix with other herbs like rosemary, thyme, or lavender for herbed blends.
Create Infused Vinegars and Oils
- Steep flowers in vinegar for 2-3 weeks, then strain. Use for salads and cooking.
- Infuse olive or vegetable oil with blossoms for 1-2 weeks. Use for dips and dressings.
Brew Teas and Liqueurs
- Add nasturtiums to herbal tea blends for antioxidant benefits.
- Infuse flowers in vodka or gin for 2-4 weeks to create colorful cocktails.
Use as Natural Food Coloring
- In place of artificial dyes, use dried flowers to gently tint frosting, jams, and more.
With their versatility and long shelf life, dried nasturtium blossoms are a handy and healthy pantry staple to have on hand. Their uses are limited only by your imagination. Let the vibrant nasturtium be your new go-to spice for adding a pop of flavor and color to all kinds of recipes.
How to dry Nasturtium Flowers
FAQ
How to dehydrate nasturtium flowers?
How to dry nasturtium for tea?
How do you Dry Nasturtium flowers?
To dry your own nasturtium flowers, carefully wash the flowers and gently them pat dry. Then lay them out on paper towel so they are not touching each other. Check to make sure there are no open doors or windows which might cause the flowers to blow away. Flowers should dry within 1-2 days.
Do Nasturtium seeds fall off the vine?
Don’t gather nasturtium seeds too early because immature seeds aren’t as likely to germinate. Ideally, the seeds will dry and fall off the vine, but you may want to harvest them before they drop. Move the leaves aside to find the seeds in the centers of the flowers.
How do you use Nasturtium flowers?
Vinegar: a nasturtium-infused vinegar is peppery and works great in salad dressings or anything that benefits from a splash of vinegar. It’s also a bright red-orange color that looks cute for gifts. Salt: dry the flowers (leaves work too), then crush and mix with sea salt. Not only will it be pretty – it adds a unique peppery flavor to a dish.
How to grow Nasturtium seeds?
It takes a good amount of nasturtium flowers to form enough seed to gather a cup of seeds. Wash the nasturtium seeds. Place the seeds in a clean bowl and cover them with water and the salt. Leave them on the kitchen bench for 2 days. This step helps to mellow the strong flavor. Drain and rinse the seeds and pack them into a sterilized glass jar.