With the change of season comes the lovely addition of vegetable blooms. In the past two years, I have religiously gone to the farmers market at least once a week if not twice. My knowledge of the seasonality of produce has grown along with the discovery of new varieties. An unexpected pleasure was the appearance of vegetable blooms. I had never seen nor heard of these before, but I am completely addicted to their gentle beauty.
Wispy and delicate, vegetable blooms appear after the vegetable has grown and the plant has gone to seed. In the age of not wasting and being more sustainable, vegetable blooms are being used in floral arrangements as well as included in recipes as they are edible. Reminiscent of a walk in nature where one would gather wild flowers, these blooms remind me of being in the country and a slower life.
I am so inspired to create with all the varieties available; radish, broccoli, kale and arugula are a few. Bunched together or on their own, they are a whimsical arrangement in any room. They can be sophisticated or simple and natural. Used in a recipe, they bring a touch of lightness and fancifulness. I have plucked the flowers from the stems and placed them on soups, salads, and dishes as a garnish and styling element. Their simple beauty does not overwhelm and becomes a silent partner to enhance whatever you are creating.
Waste not, want not, my mother always said. Having grown up in the depression era in England, where food was scarce and fresh produce was a treat, the idea of throwing anything out was unheard of. Typically most farmers are concerned with the produce and will often, if not always, toss the plant in favor of growing the next crop. I am so pleased to see this new generation of local growers allowing their plants to bloom and using all aspects of it. I knew I found something unique and valuable when I saw these begin to appear at the farmers markets.