Magnolia flowers: The edible blossoms you must add to your diet

Have you ever considered adding magnolia flowers to your diet? These beautiful blossoms aren’t just a feast for the eyes — they can also offer surprising health benefits. 

Content creator Kendall Long talks about the flowers being edible. “They taste kind of like ginger, are really good in salads, you can pickle them, and make syrups out of them (sic).”

 

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Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator says, “While magnolia trees are not as widespread as other flowering plants in India, you can find them in specific regions like Santhal Pargana, Guntur, Bhagalpur, Karnataka, and Manipur.”

Nutritional benefits of magnolia flowers 

While magnolia flowers aren’t a dietary staple, Malhotra says that they do offer some interesting potential benefits.

Here’s what we know: 

Aromatics: They contain volatile compounds that may ease anxiety and promote relaxation. 

Antioxidant properties: Early studies suggest the presence of honokiol and magnolol, which might act as antioxidants, potentially reducing inflammation. 

It’s important to remember that more research is needed to confirm these benefits in humans. “Magnolia flowers shouldn’t replace a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and pulses.”

 

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Potential health risks or contraindications associated with consuming magnolia flowers

Magnolia flowers are generally safe for most people in small amounts, says Malhotra. However, some caution is advised. “As with any new dietary inclusion, speak to your doctor before consuming magnolia flowers, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are on medications,” she stresses. 

Avoid consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. While magnolia trees are present in some parts of India, she reveals that their flowers aren’t widely used for culinary purposes due to both a lack of strong culinary tradition and the fact that magnolia trees are primarily valued for their beauty in gardens and landscapes.

Culinary versatility of magnolia flowers

Malhotra admits, “The beautiful magnolia flower can add a unique touch to your meals!” 

Here are some ideas: 

*Fresh petals: Use them as edible garnishes for salads, soups, or desserts. 

*Infused drinks: Steep the petals in hot water to create a fragrant tea with potential calming effects. 

*Pickled magnolia buds: Pickling adds a tangy flavour to salads or chutneys.

 

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Alternatives options you can consider

Magnolia flowers are likely to be expensive in India due to their limited availability and lack of established culinary use. “It’s best to consider more readily available and affordable alternatives for incorporating floral elements into your cooking,” suggests Malhotra. 

Beyond their beauty, she mentions, India’s diverse flowers add delicious twists to traditional dishes. “Rose petals flavour sweets and drinks, while hibiscus enlivens curries and teas. Pumpkin and banana flowers are enjoyed stuffed, or sauteed, while marigolds bring pops of color and jasmine lends its fragrance to desserts and rice dishes.” 

Remember, for culinary use, always choose safe, untreated flowers from a reputable source, she asserts. 

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