Cornflower (flower)

Centaurea cyanus

flower

Bright blue petals of a flower of wheat fields, originally from Asia, in salads, on desserts or as a tea.

Origin

Cereal fields of Europe

Season (United States)

June to August

Preparation

The petals are eaten raw, scattered over a salad or dessert; the centre and the calyx, tougher, are removed. Dried, they are infused or add colour to a herbal tea.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Anthocyanins

Did you know?

It was the favourite flower of Queen Louise of Prussia, and became the emblem of the Prussian royal family; in the fields, herbicides and mechanisation have driven it back.