2. The Rose of Sharon has leaves, flowers, and bark that can all be eaten. It has vitamin C and antioxidants called anthocyanins.
3. Current studies are showing promising results with the root bark for inhibiting the proliferation of lung cancer. The root bark is used by the Chinese as an anti fungal remedy. It is also said to calm the nerves. 4. Use flowers and leaves in salads-Chop the blossoms or use whole flowers.
9. Rose of Sharon water can be enjoyed with raw honey or used for making tea.
10. Song of Solomon 2:1 The bride speaks up and calls herself a humble meadow flower (Rose of Sharon), not fitting to be in such a fancy place as this one. Solomon responds.
Rose of Sharon is South Korea’s national flower. It’s called Rose Mallow in the United Kingdom and St. Joseph’s Rod in Italy. It’s a deciduous shrub native to Asia and the name comes from Palestinian Valley named Sharon.
For gardeners looking to add both beauty and edibility to their yards Rose of Sharon offers the best of both worlds. This underutilized edible flower has long been prized purely for its ornamental virtues but its culinary potential is often overlooked. Let’s explore the many ways these striking blooms can enhance your palate as well as your landscape.
Also known as Hibiscus syriacus, Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in zones 5-9. Growing up to 10 feet tall and wide, it bears showy flowers in late summer that resemble hibiscus blooms. The large, trumpet-shaped flowers have prominent yellow stamens and measure 3-5 inches across. They come in white, pink, red, purple, and blue shades – both single and double forms.
Rose of Sharon holds up well to heat, humidity, drought, salt, clay soil, and a range of pH levels. It leafs out late in spring and blooms in summer and fall when few other plants are in flower. For best blooming, prune annually in early spring. This shrub is very hardy with few pest or disease problems.
Culinary Uses for Rose of Sharon Flowers
While Rose of Sharon is valued ornamentally, many don’t realize it has edible uses as well In fact, all parts of the plant are edible, including the leaves, flowers, and bark. The blossoms in particular make a nutritious and tasty addition to certain recipes.
Here are some of the most popular ways to use Rose of Sharon flowers in cooking:
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Add to salads for a pop of color and mild, sweet flavor. The texture is mucilaginous, similar to okra.
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Use as a garnish on desserts like cakes, fruit salads, and ice cream.
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Crystallize the petals and use as cake decorations.
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Infuse in liquids like vinegar or cocktails to gently flavor.
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Stuff with soft cheese for an elegant appetizer.
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Brew into tea, which has a pleasant, mild taste.
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Incorporate into jams and jellies.
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Make chilled Rose of Sharon soup with yogurt or cream.
The flowers can be used fresh or dried. Their flavor is subtle with notes of nectar and nuttiness. Try different recipes to find your favorite ways to savor these blooms.
Health Benefits of Eating Rose of Sharon Flowers
In addition to lending beauty and flavor to foods, Rose of Sharon flowers offer some health perks as well. They are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like anthocyanins.
Most notably, these flowers may help lower blood pressure. This effect is still being researched, but the initial findings are promising. The leaves and bark also hold potential health benefits that scientists are exploring.
So by using Rose of Sharon flowers in recipes, you may boost your intake of compounds that support overall wellbeing. Their versatility in cooking makes it easy to incorporate them into your diet.
How to Harvest Rose of Sharon For Use in Cooking
If you have Rose of Sharon plants in your yard, harvesting the flowers for eating is simple. Wait until blooms are fully open, then gently pluck them off the bush. Try to select younger, fresher flowers rather than ones starting to fade.
It’s best to harvest Rose of Sharon flowers in the morning after any dew has evaporated. Gently rinse them and pat dry before using. For long-term storage, air dry the blossoms or use a food dehydrator. Dried flowers will keep for months in an airtight container out of direct light.
When foraging for Rose of Sharon flowers, always be certain of the plant’s identification before consuming any part of it. Only harvest from healthy, pesticide-free plants. Avoid areas with auto exhaust or other potential contaminants.
Bringing Edible Beauty to Your Garden
For flower lovers who also enjoy foraging from their yard, Rose of Sharon is a prime choice. The stunning blooms – in shades of white, pink, purple, red, and blue – provide visual impact from midsummer into fall. Plus, the whole plant is edible and offers potential health benefits.
Consider planting Rose of Sharon this year if you want gorgeous flowers you can eat. With proper siting and care, this shrub will flourish and reward you with armloads of blossoms. Get creative in the kitchen to make the most of these multifaceted blooms. Let Rose of Sharon bring edible beauty to your garden and meals.
Sharing Rose Of Sharon – Edible Flower
FAQ
Are Rose of Sharon flowers poisonous?
Is the Rose of Sharon fruit edible?
What are the health benefits of Rose of Sharon flower?
Are Sharon trees edible?
It is a cold hardy tree or shrub with large tropical looking flowers, unmistakable once you’ve seen them. Its edibility is often unknown, but there are a number of reasons to consider this plant for your next soup, salad, or sandwich. The edible leaves of rose of sharon tree are available all spring, summer and fall.
What is a Rose of Sharon?
Rose of sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a landscape plant native to Asia but very commonly planted in the US. It is a cold hardy tree or shrub with large tropical looking flowers, unmistakable once you’ve seen them. Its edibility is often unknown, but there are a number of reasons to consider this plant for your next soup, salad, or sandwich.
Is Rose of Sharon a good plant?
Rose-of-Sharon is valued for large flowers produced in summer when few other shrubs bloom. It is useful as a garden accent due to its strict, upright habit. The open, loose branches and light green leaves make Rose of Sharon ideally suited to formal or informal plantings, and with a little pruning makes an attractive, small specimen tree.
What does Rose of Sharon look like?
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous hibiscus species that produces abundant showy blooms in the summer and fall. The five-petal, paper-like flowers come in an array of colors (including bicolors) that reach 3″ in diameter. Blooms have a prominent stamen and often a dark colored throat.