Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are not only beautiful in the garden but also a tasty addition to your meals. You can enjoy multiple parts of this plant, all of which offer a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that enhances dishes. And while you’re harvesting the edible parts, you can also save the seeds for future planting. Here’s how to make the most of nasturtiums, from eating them to saving their seeds.
What Parts of Nasturtiums Can You Eat?
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Flowers: The bright, colorful nasturtium flowers are edible and are often used to add a decorative touch to salads and dishes. They have a mild peppery taste, similar to watercress, and are perfect for garnishing meals.
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Leaves: Nasturtium leaves are also edible and have a more pronounced peppery flavor. You can use them in salads, sandwiches, or even as a pesto ingredient for a unique twist on classic recipes.
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Seed Pods: Once the flowers fade, nasturtiums develop seed pods that are also edible. They can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers, offering a tangy bite to various dishes.
How to Enjoy Nasturtiums in Your Meals
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Salads: Add the flowers and leaves to salads for a pop of color and a peppery flavor.
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Pesto: Blend nasturtium leaves with garlic, olive oil, and nuts to create a unique and flavorful pesto.
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Pickled Seed Pods: Collect the young seed pods and pickle them in vinegar to use as a caper substitute.
How to Save Nasturtium Seeds
While you’re harvesting the edible parts of nasturtiums, you can also keep an eye on the seed pods to save them for future planting.
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Harvest the Seeds: Once the flowers have dropped, nasturtium plants will produce round, green seed pods. Let the seed pods mature on the plant until they turn brown and dry. Once they easily detach from the plant, they’re ready to be collected.
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Dry the Seeds: Place the collected seeds in a dry, airy location for a few days to ensure they’re fully dried. This helps prevent mold during storage.
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Store for Future Planting: Once dried, store the seeds in a paper envelope or a jar in a cool, dry place. Label the container with the date, and your seeds will be ready for planting in the next growing season.
Final Thoughts
Nasturtiums are a fantastic plant to grow, not only because they add vibrant colors to your garden, but also because you can eat nearly every part of them! From the spicy leaves and flowers to the pickled seed pods, nasturtiums offer a lot of flavor. Plus, saving their seeds is easy and ensures you can continue growing and enjoying them year after year. Give these edible flowers a try, and don’t forget to save some seeds for the next season!
