Nasturtium are Edible

Nasturtium flowers, leaves, buds and seeds are edible and packed with vitamin C and a crisp, peppery flavor.

One of the easiest outdoor plants to grow, this annual planted in spring, will thrive until the first frost. They prefer partial sun and like to be left alone. In fact, too much sun, water and richness of soil restricts their flower production.

Seek out smaller, newer leaves and flowers for the best, least-bitter taste. Nasturtium leaves and flowers are a welcome addition to any salad. They are also great in immunity-boosting juice because of their anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic qualities.

Nasturtium Salad with Walnuts

This bright and hardy salad has a little crunch and a bunch of peppery flavors mellowed with a honey vinaigrette. It tastes like early fall.

red oak lettuce + cooked beats + red radish + walnuts + crumbled Gorgonzola + small nasturtium leaves + nasturtium flower petals

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Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette

Serves 6

The earthy sweetness of honey and the briny sweetness of balsamic vinegar are a delicious complement to this salad’s peppery punch. I like to make vinaigrette in a jar because shaking is a good way to blend the ingredients.

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Shake the oil and vinegar together or for a thicker dressing, whisk the 2 together.

• 1 1/2 tablespoon honey

• Pinch of salt

• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Add the honey, salt and pepper to the oil and vinegar mixture and shake it up.

Store extra vinaigrette at room temperature.

Images by the author.