Aug 14, 2025

Edible Flowers in Indian Cooking

Aanya Mehta

Banana Flowers

A favourite in Bengali and Kerala cuisine, banana blossoms have a nutty, earthy taste. They’re cooked in curries like mocha ghonto or made into fritters, offering fibre, potassium, and antioxidants.

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Pumpkin Flower

These delicate golden blooms are seasonal treasures, often dipped in chickpea flour batter and fried crisp. Popular in Bengal and Odisha, they bring a hint of sweetness to savoury dishes.

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Moringa Flower

Sweet and nutrient rich, mahua flowers are dried and used in sweets or fermented into beverages in central India. They’re a rich source of iron and natural sugars.

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Rose Petals

Fragrant and cooling, rose petals are turned into gulkand, sherbets, and dessert garnishes. They have anti inflammatory benefits and aid digestion.

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Mahua Flower

Sweet and nutrient rich, mahua flowers are dried and used in sweets or fermented into beverages in central India. They are a rich source of iron and natural sugars.

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Safflower

A natural food colourant, safflower petals are used in rural kitchens as a budget-friendly alternative to saffron. They add a golden hue and mild aroma to rice dishes.

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Hibiscus Flower

Bright red hibiscus is used to make tangy chutneys in coastal regions and refreshing herbal teas. It’s rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, and helps regulate blood pressure.

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Sesbania Flower

These edible white blossoms, common in the North East, have a subtle spinach-like flavour. They’re rich in calcium and often turned into fritters or stir-fries.

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