6/11 Sunflower Shoot & Mustard Flower Salad
Yesterday we went to our local farmer’s market and found the most exquisite edible flower and greens. This organically grown blossom is tiny, delicate and abundant in peppery flavor. One little flower was like a mouthful of Arugula. Yum.
Photo By: S. Duquet
Introducing mustard flowers (from Flowerinfo.org)
The mustard flower is one of the more elusive blossoms that you will come across. This is due largely to the fact that these plants are highly edible, and are often harvested before the flowers themselves can bloom. A member of the Brassicaceae family, the mustard flower is closely related to cabbage, turnips, and even bok choy. Mustard flowers tend to grow abundantly in mid-spring. If left unattended these plants can grow wildly, can be invasive, and are frequently mistaken for weeds. Despite that fact, these tiny flowers are thought by many to be quite beautiful.
Photo By: S. Duquet
Despite their interesting appearance, mustard flowers are, of course, best known for their edible qualities. In Roman times, mustard flowers were considered an aphrodisiac, and were frequently mixed into love potions. Today, however, the seeds of this flower are mostly crushed and mixed with vinegar to create the spicy, fragrant condiment used in a variety of dishes.
To celebrate this beautiful, edible flower, I created a salad with contrasting colors and flavors. The nuttiness of the sunflower greens allowed the Mustard Flowers to shine. The spicy sweetness of the dressing brought it all together. The more flowers you have the spicier the flavor will be. They are absolutely amazing.
Photo By: S. Duquet
Sunflower Shoot & Mustard Flower Salad
By: S. Duquet
Salad ingredients:
1 purple endive
1 1/2 C sunflower shoots
1/4 C dried cherries
1 tbsp or more mustard flower
Vinaigrette ingredients:
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (I used blood orange, but any balsamic would work)
1 tsp agave syrup
These peppery flowers are a decadent addition to anything you put them on. They were such an amazing find. I am always excited to try something I have neither tasted nor heard of.
Have a delicious weekend.
Tags: balsamic vinaigrette, compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, mustard flowers, plant based diet, plant strong, sunflower shoots, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan experience, vegan wannabe, vegetarian recipe, vinaigrette dressing
