Squash blossoms are a delicious edible flower that you can find in your garden or occasionally at the farmer’s market. It’s serious impossible for me to pass them by as I absolutely love the idea of eating flowers. There is nothing more beautiful and girly that to have that bright yellow flower on your plate. That being said, they can be somewhat intimidating so here’s how to clean and prepare squash blossoms.
What is a squash blossom?
Squash blossoms are also known as zucchini blossoms. They are the flower from which zucchini grows.
What do squash blossoms taste like?
Squash blossoms taste faintly of zucchini. It’s a very mild flavor, which is why you often see it paired with mozzarella cheese or eggs. Trust me, they taste great too. My husband will gobble up a few pieces of my Squash Blossom Pizza without hesitation. It’s definitely for everyone.
What part of the squash blossom is edible?
Technically, the entire squash blossom is edible. However, the stem, pistil and stamen have a different texture. They won't harm you but for a more refined dish, they are usually removed.
Where to buy squash blossoms?
The best place to get squash blossoms is from your backyard. Zucchini are pretty hardy in most places so if you get sick of zucchini then you can just start picking and eating the flowers instead. If you don’t have a garden, try picking up squash blossoms at your local farmer’s market.
It’s rare to find squash blossoms are your local grocery store as flowers since flowers are so delicate.
How do you keep squash blossoms fresh?
Store them in the refrigerator to keep them as fresh as possible. Just place them on a baking sheet that is lined with paper towels or a towel. The towel will soak up any excess moisture. Then place additional paper towels on top of them.
How long do squash blossoms last?
Like most flowers, squash blossoms don’t have a very long shelf life so it’s something that you won’t find very far from the farmer. You will need to use them within a few days of bringing them home. They will start to wilt and shrivel after about 24-48 hours. They are really best when prepared the day they were picked.
How do you clean squash blossoms?
Squash blossoms are delicate so be careful when washing them. Fill a bowl of water and gently submerge the blossoms. Take care to remove any insects or dirt from the flowers. Wait to wash the blossoms until right before using them to retain their freshness.
How do you prepare squash blossoms?
To prepare the blossoms you’ll need to trim the ends of the flower near the stem to remove the flower. You’ll also need to remove the stamen or pistil from within the blossom.
How to cook squash blossoms?
The most traditional way of cooking squash blossoms is stuffing them with cheese and then to make deep fried squash blossoms.
Looking for squash blossom recipes? Try these.
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How to Clean and Prepare Squash Blossoms
Squash blossoms are a delicious edible flower that you can
find in your garden or occasionally at the farmer’s market. They can be somewhat intimidating so here’s how to clean and prepare squash blossoms.
Materials
- Squash Blossoms
Tools
- Dish towel
- Bowl filled with water
Instructions
- To prepare the blossoms you’ll need to trim the
ends of the flower near the stem to remove the flower. You’ll also need to remove the stamen or pistil from within the blossom. - Fill a bowl of water and gently submerge the blossoms. Take
care to remove any insects or dirt from the flowers. Wait to wash the blossoms until right before using them to retain their freshness. - Remove the flowers from the water and place on a dish towel. Gently pat dry.
Notes
- Squash blossoms are delicate so be careful when washing them.
- Like most flowers, squash blossoms don’t have a very long shelf life so it’s something that you won’t find very far from the farmer. You will need to use them within a few days of bringing them home. They will start to wilt and shrivel after about 24-48 hours. They are really best when prepared the day they were picked.
Did you use this how-to? I’d love to hear your thoughts so please comment below.
*Please note that this is how I was shown to prepare squash blossoms. If you were shown something different, that's fine. You don't have to follow my instructions. However, there's no reason to leave rude comments in the post.
thanks for the info-this will be the first year I try the flowers - going to try stuffing them first & then bake -next I will try chopping them up in a quiche - I like trying something new
Stuffed squash blossoms are very traditional and so good. I have a fritatta recipe that's really good and easy. Similar to a quiche just without a crust. Whatever recipes you try, I hope you enjoy!
This is the first year that I have zucchini in my garden, I managed to get 6 flowers from my plant. Using your instructions for cleaning the flowers we found a bee inside one of the flowers…..I was lucky enough to catch him in a cup so I was able to release him . Thank you!!!
I'm so glad the instructions were helpful! #savethebees
Many people have commented that they have eaten the entire flower. The entire flower is edible. Yet you continue to say only the flower is edible. You are spreading misinformation. I am of Italian descent and these are a staple in our diets during the summer season. I am proud to report none of my ancestors have gotten sick from eating the entire flower. Not sure where you got your facts from but reality is the entire flower is edible.
I too am of Italian descent. And this is the way I was taught to clean and prepare squash blossoms. If you don't like it, you can eat the entire plant. I really don't care. There's no need to be rude or insulting.
Thank you. I'm launching into stuffed courgette flowers from my home grown fruit. Thank you for your advice. If turn out ok will post a picture.
Yeah! Homegrown are the best.
I’ve been eating squash flowers for many of my 82 years being of Italian descent, I have never removed the stamen, or pistil.
It's not absolutely necessary but it's the proper way to prepare it.
"Proper"? Really?
The pistil, which conveys a slight sweetness, is perfectly edible and one may elect to eat it - or not.
Yep. I said what I said. If you want to eat it, go for it.
I heard there was a male and female flower.
Both edible?
Yes! The instruction still work regardless of the male or female flower. It's actually hard to tell the difference.
Exactly what I needed to learn! Thank you!
Great! Glad it helped.
I eat the entire blossom. It's all edible!
Thanks for the info!
I ate the stamen and pistol of about a plate of them before I read only the petals were edible. No ill effects
Haha. Oh no! At least we know that nothing bad will happen. Thanks for letting us know.
I love these flowers they are delicious and I buy mine in Hispanic grocery markets.
Aren't they great!? They're super popular at farmer's markets around here. I bet they would be easy to grow in your own backyard too!
Why do you need to remove the pistil from squash blossoms before cooking and eating.
The only edible part of the blossom is the flower.