Picture of the Day: Magnolias

Magnolias in various stages of blooming

Magnolias are blooming now, and like cherry blossoms, are only around for a short time.

But did you know you could eat them?

They apparently taste like ginger and cloves, and not only can they be consumed fresh in salads or steeped in tea, but also pickled in vinegar, steeped in sugar to make syrups for drinks, and dried and blitzed into powder for seasoning.

Ideally pick them when they are still buds, otherwise the ones that have bloomed taste more bitter.

To prepare the magnolias, remove the centre of the flower called the carpel, as it is quite bitter. Wash the petals thoroughly in cold water and remove any brown, papery bracts around the buds, and any bruised petals. 

Have you eaten magnolias before? Let us know!