Carnations
Estimated Inventory, 50 ct : 17.00
This item was last sold on : 05/14/25
Grower
Carnations are small to medium flowers, averaging 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, layered, and slightly ruffled appearance. The blooms are comprised of broad, flat, and oblong petals with serrated, frilled edges. Carnations can be found in an assortment of colors, from crimson, white, pink, lavender, to purple picotee with brilliant violet edges, and the petals have a soft, velvety, and delicate texture. Depending on the variety, the flowers may also emit a faint, clove-like aroma or bear no fragrance. Carnations have a tender, subtly crisp consistency with a mild, sweet, and peppery flavor.
Carnations are available year-round.
Carnations, botanically classified as Dianthus caryophyllus, are familiar flowers with ancient origins, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. The ruffled blooms are considered one of the most commonly cultivated flowers, valued for their hardiness and year-round availability, and have been used for centuries for ornamental purposes. In the modern-day, there are over 300 different cultivars of Carnations that have been developed to showcase brilliant colors, textures, and shapes, and some varieties have also been organically grown for culinary use. Chefs use Carnations to add texture, color, and subtle flavors to dishes, and the blooms are often viewed as a symbol of artistic timelessness, tradition, and elegance. Carnations can be incorporated whole as an elevated garnish, or the petals can be removed and sprinkled as an edible accent over sweet and savory preparations.
Carnations have been traditionally used by European herbalists in tea to calm anxiety, stress, and nausea. The petals are also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties to balance hormones and reduce inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Carnations have been infused into treatments to cleanse the digestive tract from parasites and are processed into an essential oil as a topical treatment for rashes, acne, and other skin irritations.
Carnations have a mild, peppery flavor well suited for a wide variety of fresh and cooked preparations. The petals are the primary part of the flower eaten, as the stamen, pollen, and sepal often impart a bitter taste. Once the petals are separated, washed, and dried, they can be sprinkled raw over salads, soups, rice, and pasta dishes, or they can be used as an edible garnish over any dish. Carnation petals can also be candied or crystallized, coated in egg whites and sugar to create a sweet and crisp decoration. The candied petals can be used to elevate cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, crème brulee, and pies. In addition to candying, the petals can be infused into a simple syrup and added to cocktails, lemonade, sparkling beverages, and desserts such as a sundae. Carnations can also be lightly cooked into savory dishes to showcase the flower’s peppery flavor. The petals are often mixed into sauces and butter, poured over roasted meats, eggs, and vegetables, or they can be lightly sauteed and mixed into grain bowls. Carnations can also be pickled with spices and vinegar to create a tangy mixture. Carnations pair well with cucumber, spinach, citrus, spices such as cinnamon, coriander, mint, and cloves, brown sugar, roasted meats, including poultry, turkey, and fish, and hard and creamy cheeses. The flowers should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor but will keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day in the United States. Mother’s Day was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson and was spearheaded by Anna Jarvis, an editor in Philadelphia. Jarvis created the holiday in honor of her mother, who had passed away, and wanted to commemorate all mothers, both living and deceased. In 1908, 3 years after her mother’s death, Jarvis brought 500 white Carnations to her mother’s home church and gave a flower to each mother in the service. Carnations, according to Jarvis, were her mother’s favorite flower. The church annually continued the Carnation tradition and eventually labeled it as their Mother’s Day service. Over the years, word spread, and many other churches began practicing the same tradition, encouraging Jarvis to lobby for the holiday to become a nationwide event. Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, and Carnations became the official flower in the mid-1940s. Even though Jarvis originally handed out white Carnations as a symbol of purity, white Carnations became associated with lost mothers and were placed at gravesites. Red Carnations were instead selected for living mothers, and the vibrant, crimson blooms were meant to symbolize love, life, and passion.
Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers and are believed to be native to the Mediterranean region. The blooms have been cultivated since ancient times, and pale orange and pink Carnations were said to have been utilized by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, Carnations were spread around the world with migrating peoples and have become established as a favored commercially cultivated flower. Today Carnations are widely found through supermarkets, farmer’s markets, specialty grocers worldwide. Carnations are also frequently grown in home gardens as a multi-purpose cultivar. It is important to note that edible Carnations are produced under strict standards and are grown differently from common Carnations sold as ornamental flowers. Care and research should be taken to ensure Carnations used for culinary purposes are purchased through reputable vendors.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
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Description/Taste
Carnations are small to medium flowers, averaging 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, layered, and slightly ruffled appearance. The blooms are comprised of broad, flat, and oblong petals with serrated, frilled edges. Carnations can be found in an assortment of colors, from crimson, white, pink, lavender, to purple picotee with brilliant violet edges, and the petals have a soft, velvety, and delicate texture. Depending on the variety, the flowers may also emit a faint, clove-like aroma or bear no fragrance. Carnations have a tender, subtly crisp consistency with a mild, sweet, and peppery flavor.
Seasons/Availability
Carnations are available year-round.
Current Facts
Carnations, botanically classified as Dianthus caryophyllus, are familiar flowers with ancient origins, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. The ruffled blooms are considered one of the most commonly cultivated flowers, valued for their hardiness and year-round availability, and have been used for centuries for ornamental purposes. In the modern-day, there are over 300 different cultivars of Carnations that have been developed to showcase brilliant colors, textures, and shapes, and some varieties have also been organically grown for culinary use. Chefs use Carnations to add texture, color, and subtle flavors to dishes, and the blooms are often viewed as a symbol of artistic timelessness, tradition, and elegance. Carnations can be incorporated whole as an elevated garnish, or the petals can be removed and sprinkled as an edible accent over sweet and savory preparations.
Nutritional Value
Carnations have been traditionally used by European herbalists in tea to calm anxiety, stress, and nausea. The petals are also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties to balance hormones and reduce inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Carnations have been infused into treatments to cleanse the digestive tract from parasites and are processed into an essential oil as a topical treatment for rashes, acne, and other skin irritations.
Applications
Carnations have a mild, peppery flavor well suited for a wide variety of fresh and cooked preparations. The petals are the primary part of the flower eaten, as the stamen, pollen, and sepal often impart a bitter taste. Once the petals are separated, washed, and dried, they can be sprinkled raw over salads, soups, rice, and pasta dishes, or they can be used as an edible garnish over any dish. Carnation petals can also be candied or crystallized, coated in egg whites and sugar to create a sweet and crisp decoration. The candied petals can be used to elevate cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, crème brulee, and pies. In addition to candying, the petals can be infused into a simple syrup and added to cocktails, lemonade, sparkling beverages, and desserts such as a sundae. Carnations can also be lightly cooked into savory dishes to showcase the flower’s peppery flavor. The petals are often mixed into sauces and butter, poured over roasted meats, eggs, and vegetables, or they can be lightly sauteed and mixed into grain bowls. Carnations can also be pickled with spices and vinegar to create a tangy mixture. Carnations pair well with cucumber, spinach, citrus, spices such as cinnamon, coriander, mint, and cloves, brown sugar, roasted meats, including poultry, turkey, and fish, and hard and creamy cheeses. The flowers should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor but will keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day in the United States. Mother’s Day was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson and was spearheaded by Anna Jarvis, an editor in Philadelphia. Jarvis created the holiday in honor of her mother, who had passed away, and wanted to commemorate all mothers, both living and deceased. In 1908, 3 years after her mother’s death, Jarvis brought 500 white Carnations to her mother’s home church and gave a flower to each mother in the service. Carnations, according to Jarvis, were her mother’s favorite flower. The church annually continued the Carnation tradition and eventually labeled it as their Mother’s Day service. Over the years, word spread, and many other churches began practicing the same tradition, encouraging Jarvis to lobby for the holiday to become a nationwide event. Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, and Carnations became the official flower in the mid-1940s. Even though Jarvis originally handed out white Carnations as a symbol of purity, white Carnations became associated with lost mothers and were placed at gravesites. Red Carnations were instead selected for living mothers, and the vibrant, crimson blooms were meant to symbolize love, life, and passion.
Geography/History
Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers and are believed to be native to the Mediterranean region. The blooms have been cultivated since ancient times, and pale orange and pink Carnations were said to have been utilized by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, Carnations were spread around the world with migrating peoples and have become established as a favored commercially cultivated flower. Today Carnations are widely found through supermarkets, farmer’s markets, specialty grocers worldwide. Carnations are also frequently grown in home gardens as a multi-purpose cultivar. It is important to note that edible Carnations are produced under strict standards and are grown differently from common Carnations sold as ornamental flowers. Care and research should be taken to ensure Carnations used for culinary purposes are purchased through reputable vendors.
Learn More...Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Moniker Coffee Company (Bar) | San Diego CA | 916-945-6721 |
| Lovesong | San Diego CA | 602-502-3460 |
| The Shores | La Jolla CA | 858-459-8271 |
| 619 Spirits | San Diego CA | 509-701-9534 |
| Sushi Gaga | San Diego CA | 619-808-1556 |
| Cloak and Petal Bar | San Diego CA | 619-501-5505 |
| Knotty Barrel- Rancho | San Diego CA | 858-484-8758 |
| Saint Mark Golf and Resort, LLC (Bar) | San Marcos CA | 508-320-6644 |
| Taproom Collective | San Diego CA | 760-518-4242 |
| Kitchens For Good | San Diego CA | 619-450-4040 |
| Camino Riviera Bar | San Diego CA | 619-685-3881 |
| Harvest Kitchen | Vista CA | 619-709-0938 |
| Maya Moon Collective | San Diego CA | 775-225-8649 |
| insideOUT (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-793-9221 |
| Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
| Boujiemana | San Diego CA | 415-710-0510 |
| Rancho Bernardo Inn (Avant) | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
| Starlite Bar | San Diego CA | 619-358-9766 |
| Selva Coffee | San Diego CA | 619-585-1118 |
| The Guild Hotel | San Diego CA | 619-764-5108 |
| The Whaling Bar (Bar) | La Jolla CA | 858-355-9218 |
| Kettner Exchange Bar | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| Town & Country Bakery | San Diego CA | |
| Rose Café | Carlsbad CA | 310-399-0711 |
| Rustic Root (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-702-5595 |
| Noble Experiment | San Diego CA | 619-446-0002 |
| Choi's | San Diego CA | 858-900-1224 |
| Gelato 101 (Solana) | Solana Beach CA | 858-404-0799 |
| Casero Taqueria | Carlsbad CA | 760-533-4997 |
| Birdseye Rooftop | San Diego CA | 619-206-7220 |
| Revolution Roasters | Oceanside CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Terra Restaurant | San Diego CA | 619-293-7088 |
| Rustic Root Solana (Bar) | Solana Beach CA | 619-955-5750 |
| Craft and Commerce (Sekscobra Inc.) | San Diego CA | 619-962-5935 |
| Pendry SD (Provisional Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Artifact at Mingei | San Diego CA | 619-846-2164 |
| Upper East | Escondido CA | 619-787-1617 |
| Sushi Nekosan | La Jolla CA | 858-999-0999 |
| Farmer and The Seahorse | San Diego CA | 619-302-3682 |
| Little Frenchie | Coronado CA | 619-522-6890 |
| Revolution Roasters (Carlsbad) | Carlsbad CA | 760-330-6827 |
| Lafayette Hotel - The Gutter | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Kettner Exchange | San Diego CA | 909-915-9877 |
| GelatoLove | Carlsbad CA | 760-297-0554 |
| Venissimo Cheese North Park | San Diego CA | 619-376-1834 |
| Culinary Kitchen Catering and Events | Coronado CA | 619-798-8477 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| JRDN Restaurant | San Diego CA | 858-270-5736 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Westin Gaslamp Quarter | San Diego CA | 619-239-2200 |
| Moxy San Diego Gaslamp | San Diego CA | 619-376-1850 |
| Pacific Regent La Jolla | San Diego CA | 858-597-8008 |
| La Costa Resort & Spa Pastry | Carlsbad CA | 760-431-8455 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Quixote | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort | Carlsbad CA | 760-602-0800 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Jalisco Cantina | Carlsbad CA | 619-204-5945 |
| Waverly (Bar) | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| InterContinental Vistal Kitchen | San Diego CA | 619-501-9400 |
| Orchard Hill Inn | Julian CA | |
| The Seabird Resort | Oceanside CA | 951-704-9703 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
