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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Bachelor’s Button flowers resemble tiny carnations with pointed papery petals. The blooms are singular atop silvery green stems that can reach one meter high. Colors can range from White, purple, pink and peacock blue. They have a very mild aroma of peppery clove and a flavor that has a hint of sweet spice.
Seasons/Availability
Bachelor’s Buttons are available summer through early fall.
Current Facts
Botanically classified as Centaurea cyanus, Bachelor’s Buttons are an easy-growing annual in the Asteraceae or Compositae family. They are also known as Basket Flower, Blue Bonnet, Blue Bottle, Blue Bow, Blue Cap, Cornflower, Boutonniere Flower and Hurt Sickle. The name Bachelor Button comes from bachelors wearing the flowers in a jacket button hole to let the ladies know they were single.
Applications
Bachelor's Button flowers are best used fresh for culinary purposes, although they are often cut and dried for decorative bouquets. They are most often as an edible garnish as they are only lightly fragrant with minimal flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Bachelor’s Buttons were discovered in the tomb of King Tutankhamen who died in 1340 B.C. The blossoms were woven into a beautiful wreath that adorned the King’s tomb in hopes to aid in his afterlife.
Geography/History
Bachelor’s Buttons are native to Europe and Asia. Today they are grown in flower gardens around the world. They are quite hardy and can grow in most soil types with good drainage and moderate watering. The first blooms appear ten to twelve weeks after planting. The flowers will continually bloom until the first frost, but dead-heading will produce even more blooms.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Bachelor's Button Flowers. One
is
easiest, three is harder.| Grown to Cook |
|
Edible Flower Canapés |
| A Beautiful Mess |
|
Tips for Using Edible Flowers on Cake |
