Edible Flower Sprinkles.
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Lets get straight into it. You're not here to listen to me waffle on about how we came to the miraculous discovery of flower sprinkles. We've all seen them sprinkled all over our media due to a certain fabulous Duchess and of course being a fan of gardening and creating I thought I would give it a go.
Scroll on down (not through annoying pages of life story no one asked for) and find everything you need to know.
Edible flower types
There are many varieties, here is a short basic list of flowers to get you started.
Calendula (Calendu a officinalis)
Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus)
Violas (Viola cornuta)
Marigold (genus Tagetes, Calendula officinalis)
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Rose (Rosa rugosa, Rosa canina, Rosa × centifolia, Rosa × damascena)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Never use florist flowers: These are almost always treated with heavy pesticides and chemicals not meant for consumption.
Identify correctly: Use a reliable app or book to ensure the flower isn't a toxic lookalike.
Homegrown or Certified: Suggest that readers grow their own or buy from the "fresh herbs" section
of a grocery store.
Tip: If you have allergies, especially to pollen, start with a very small amount to ensure you don't have a reaction.
2. Best Flowers for Sprinkles
Different flowers offer different colors and flavors. Here’s a quick guide you could include:
Flower | Flavor Profile | Best Use |
Pansies/Viola | Mild, grassy, slightly sweet | Cakes and cookies |
Lavender | Floral, earthy, potent | Shortbread or chocolate |
Rose Petals | Sweet, fruity, aromatic | Luxury desserts |
Cornflowers | Neutral | Adding bright blues/pinks |
Marigolds/Calendula | Slightly citrusy/spicy | Savory dishes or salads |
3. How to Make the Sprinkles (The Process)
Step 1: Harvest and Prep
Pick flowers in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is too hot. Gently rinse them in cool water and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
Preparation
Harvest: Snip off the flower heads. Ensure they are clean and free of dirt or insects.
Separate: Gently pull the petals away from the green base into a bowl.
Method 1: Dehydrator (Recommended)
This is my preferred method for drying.
Setup: Line trays with baking paper, fine mesh, or natural fibre fabric to prevent petals from falling through.
Airflow: Leave space around the edges and center for air circulation.
Spread: Lay petals in a thin layer.
Settings: Set to 35°C–45°C (95°F–113°F) for 2–4 hours.
Check: Flip or stir halfway through. They are ready when they feel papery, light, and snap easily.
Method 2: Oven
Best for those without a dehydrator.
Temp: Set your oven to its lowest setting, ideally 50°C (120°F).
Setup: Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Process: Place the tray in the oven with the door slightly ajar to let moisture escape.
Time: Check every 15–20 minutes. Most petals dry within 1–2 hours.
Method 3: Microwave
The fastest "express" method.
Setup: Place petals between two sheets of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate.
Place another microwave safe plate on top to hold paper towels secure.
Safety: Place a half-filled cup of water in the microwave to prevent scorching.
Process: Heat on medium power in 30-second bursts.
Time: Usually takes 1.5–3 minutes. Let them sit for a minute afterward to crisp up.
Method 4: Sun Drying
The traditional, eco-friendly way.
Setup: Spread petals on a mesh screen or paper-lined tray.
Location: Place in a warm, dry spot with good airflow (avoid direct, harsh sunlight as it can bleach the colours).
Time: 1–3 days depending on humidity. Cover with a fine net to keep dust and bugs away.
4. Storage and Shelf Life of Your Edible Flower Sprinkles
To keep the colors vibrant, store your floral sprinkles in airtight glass jars in a cool, dark place. Light is the enemy of floral pigments! They will typically stay vibrant for about 6 months.
All done, Its a simple process, I hope you have fun creating your little sprinkles of joy.
Let me know how you go!
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