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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.
Fresh Flower Begonia (Apple Blossoms)
Inventory, 50 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 10/16/21
Description/Taste
Apple Blossom begonias are small in size, averaging 2-5 centimeters in diameter, and have two broad, larger curved petals and two smaller, slender petals connected to pliable stems. The thin, delicate petals range in color from pale pink to bright pink and have a yellow center with crisp, pink stems. Apple Blossom begonias are juicy, fleshy, and tender with a citrus-like tartness. The flowers may also have a mild, bitter aftertaste and add a pleasant, sour flavor to culinary dishes.
Seasons/Availability
Apple Blossom begonias are year-round when commercially cultivated and have a peak blossom season in the summer when grown wild.
Current Facts
Begonias belong to the Begoniaceae family and depending on the variety, these flowers can grow on leafy plants that can reach up to one meter in height. The most common begonia varieties average a smaller size, and there are over 1,600 different species of begonias, often considered one of the most popular home garden plants in the world. In the photo above, Apple Blossoms are just one of the many edible varieties of begonias and get their name from their sour taste. Apple Blossom begonias are favored by chefs for use as a garnish and are incorporated into dishes to add bright colors, delicate textures, and a tart flavor.
Nutritional Value
Begonias are an excellent source of vitamin C and also contain some magnesium, calcium, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Applications
Apple Blossom begonias are popularly consumed raw, especially as a garnish, and can be tossed into salads or fruit bowls, garnished over seafood and cooked meats, or floated into drinks such as fruit punch, sparkling water, or cocktails. They can also be incorporated into ceviche, sprinkled over soups, or brewed into a tea. In addition to savory applications, Apple Blossom begonias can be used in dessert recipes such as tarts, ice cream, jam and cheese spreads, or cakes. Apple Blossom begonias pair well with fennel, tarragon, strawberries, honey, lemon, potatoes, and seafood. The flowers should be used immediately for best quality and flavor and will keep 1-2 days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Begonias are commonly used in Asia as an everyday potherb. The flowers are traditionally mixed into sauces, tossed into salads, and used to flavor seafood. The flowers are also used in traditional medicine in teas to soothe sore throats. While begonias have been used for centuries in Asia and Europe, they have recently increased in popularity in the United States as an edible garnish. High-end chefs use begonias for their bright colors, tart flavor, and soft, delicate texture as a way to elevate the dish and create a memorable dining experience.
Geography/History
Begonias are native to regions of South America, Central America, Asia, and South Africa and have been growing wild since ancient times. The plants were then shared via trade routes to Japan and Europe in the 1600-1700s and arrived in North America in the 1800s. Today many varieties of begonias such as the Apple Blossom are cultivated on a wide commercial scale in China, Holland, Israel, and in the United Kingdom. The flowers are also grown as an ornamental variety and are highly consumed from backyard gardens in Brazil, Mexico, the United States Myanmar, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, India, and China.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Wormwood | San Diego CA | 619-573-0289 |
| Catamaran | San Diego CA | 858-488-1081 |
| Park Hyatt Aviara (Ember & Rye) | Carlsbad CA | 760-448-1234 |
| Salvatore's | San Diego CA | 619-544-1865 |
| Gossip Grill (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-260-8023 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Barrel & Board | San Diego CA | 619-379-2574 |
| West Brew | Del Mar CA | 858-412-4364 |
