Both the foliage and the blooms of a viola or violet plant are very rich in the antioxidant vitamins C and A. The edible viola plant may be used in the preparation of syrups, the brewing of teas, and the baking of sweet treats.
In addition to calendula, lavender, and nasturtiums, violas are among the edible flowers that are among my personal favorites. They also have some use in medicine.
Pansies, wild violets, and Johnny jump-ups are all types of plants that belong to the genus Viola, which really comprises several diverse species.
The common name for several varieties of viola blooms is simply “viola.” They are the kind of flowers that should be grown in every garden.
Are viola leaves edible?
The leaves of violets may be eaten fresh in salads or cooked in the same manner as spinach. Their blossoms may be consumed fresh or candied, while the dried leaves of the plant can be brewed into tea. Violets may also be used in cooking as a thickening when added to soups.
If you are not aware of violas and the plants that they resemble, it is best to stay with the sure bet and avoid eating the leaves. Violet leaves are edible, but they are readily mistaken for the leaves of other plants that are not edible. Violet blossoms are a beautiful addition to salads, and they may also be used to flavor vinegar and syrup.
Taste of viola
Violas are one-of-a-kind flowers since the whole flower may be eaten. Additionally, the blooms of violas have a succulent, crisp, and soft feel, and they have a light, floral fragrance. In addition to their vibrant color, the blossoms have a taste that is somewhat sweet and vegetal, with hints of mint and evergreen.
Viola to avoid
It is important to keep in mind that African violets do not belong to the species Viola and are not edible. There are also some therapeutic applications for violas. Because they are strong in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, Viola tricolor (also known as Johnny Jump-ups) may be beneficial for skin disorders when applied topically.
About Viola flowers
The majority of violas are planted either as short-lived perennials or as annual flowers during the chilly season. They are adaptable to a broad variety of temperatures and are often seen blooming on lawns that have not been properly maintained. Because of this, violas are often one of the first flowers to bloom throughout the spring and the beginning of the summer. When harvesting edible viola plants, the first step is to ensure that the plants have been correctly identified.
Before gathering any blooms or leaves from a plant, it is very necessary to do an exhaustive study on the subject. This will ensure that the desired plant is being harvested. When going on a wildflower hunt for edible flowers, your first concern should always be your own safety.
Classes on fodder are often made available by the agricultural extension offices located in each community. In addition, a local plant field guide will be of assistance to you during this procedure. Never put anything in your body until you know without a doubt that it is completely free of health risks.
Last but not least, it is essential to emphasize that edible violas and African violets are NOT to be mistaken for one another in any way. The common violet, also known as Viola, and the African violet are not related to one another, despite their shared name.
Disclaimer: The information included in this article is presented only for the purposes of gardening and education. Please seek the guidance of a qualified medical practitioner or a medical herbalist prior to taking or consuming ANY herb or plant for medicinal reasons or for any other purpose.
Hey! I’m Madhuresh, a passionate content creator, and a Plant lover. I created Shiny Plant to explore and learn about new plants. The purpose is to provide simple and effective Gardening Tips. Hope you’ll find this informative.