Pansies
Pansies make a pretty garnish for salads and desserts.
Pansies are members of the violet family, and the patterns that mark pansy petals are
thought to resemble a face in contemplation. Pansies are slightly sweet, with a delicate
vegetal flavor.
Varieties
Pansies appear in a wide variety of colors, including purple, blue, maroon, yellow, red,
orange, and white, with bicolor and tricolor varieties as well.
Buying and storing tips
Pansies can be found in the produce section of some health food stores, specialty markets,
and supermarkets. Look for fresh blossoms with no signs of wilting or browning. Store them
loosely packed in a paper towel placed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Availability
Pansies are available all year long, but peak in early spring months.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Immerse blossoms in cool water to flush out any tiny insects, and dry thoroughly in a salad
spinner. Add to salads using field greens, or use as a garnish for desserts.
Nutritional Highlights
Not available. Edible flowers have not been well-studied for their nutrient content.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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