I Cook With Tulips Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rose

All these plants have potentially edible flowers. Bear in mind however that where they come from affects their edibility. For example, flowers from a florist are quite likely to have had chemicals sprayed on them to help preserve them, as well as pesticides and fertilizers to grow them, and are not safe for human consumption.

In the case of roses grown for human consumption, the petals are used to make rose water and rose syrup and to flavour various foods and teas. Only certain species are typically used for food.

Answer: Pot marigold

The flowers listed as answers are all members of the Asteraceae family of plants. Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is the one with a history as a colouring agent and has been used for centuries in cooking. Its colouring potential is reflected in its use as a fabric dye. It also has a long history of medicinal use.

Answer: Lavender

All of these plants have properties making them useful in soap making however it is lavender which belongs to the mint family. The flower buds typically of English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is used in cookery. Lavender has a strong flavour and is best used sparingly.

Answer: Squash

The Cucurbita pepo family of plants boasts both winter and summer squashes, which includes pumpkins and zucchinis/courgettes. The flowers can be stuffed, battered and fried, and made into soup.

The autumnal festival is Halloween and, although technically a fruit, the various types of squash are normally considered as vegetables.

Answer: Dandelion

The whole plant is edible and nutritious. The flowers can be used in soups, salads and fried up, amongst other things. The ground-up roasted root is the source of the coffee substitute, sometimes called dandelion tea.

Unusually perhaps, the Russian dandelion (Taraxacum kok-saghyz) has the potential to be a sustainable source of natural rubber, an alternative to the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).

Answer: Runner bean

Also known as the scarlet runner bean, the flowers of the runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus) are edible and can be a colourful addition to a salad. The beans, pods and starchy roots are also edible.

Answer: Violet

The common blue violet (Viola sororia) is the one shown in the photo. It is state flower for Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin. As well as uses in traditional medicine, it has a role in the kitchen. The viola is the musical instrument alluded to.

In Europe it is the sweet violet (Viola odorata) which is typically used.

Answer: Chives

Native to both North America and Europe, chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are typically grown for their scapes and leaves, however the flowers are edible and often used to garnish dishes. The plant has a role in the garden for deterring insects as well as for fighting fungal infections such as mildew.

Answer: Nasturtium

The caper is the salted and pickled flower bud of the Capperis spinosa and has a strong flavour due to the mustard oil it contains. The nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) seed can been used to make a similar treat, sometimes called poor man's caper.

Answer: Weight

Weight is not normally a consideration. Generally, the larger the petal, the more texture. The scent of a tulip can act as a guide on flavour which varies a surprising amount across the varieties. In addition to pleasing the eye, the colour of the petals can also indicate flavour. For example, red tulips reportedly have a sweet flavor while white tulips are spicier.

During the Second World War, tulip bulbs were a famine food in Holland and were used like onions. However tulip bulbs contain alkaloid and glycoside compounds and so are not recommended for eating. There is also a condition called 'tulip fingers', a form of allergic contact dermatitis, which affects some people.