Edible Flowers: Peonies
A surprising floral flavor with hints of strawberries, peaches, and pepper.
With this versatile peony jelly you’ll be able to make tasty drinks, spread it on toast, use for surprising salad dressings, and so much more!
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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before consuming.
Peony jelly
Makes 8 Servings | Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 1 Hour
INGREDIENTS
• 4 c peony petals (ideally organic)
• 2 c sugar
• 1 c water
• 1 lemon, juiced
INSTRUCTIONS
1) Remove peony petals from stems, wash petals by submerging them in cold water then strain.
2) In a medium sauce pan combine peonies, water, and sugar. Stir to combine. Simmer on low-medium heat for 45 min to 1 hour until desired consistency is reached.
3) Add the lemon juice, simmer another 5 minutes.
4) Remove from heat and carefully strain out petals (if desired) and store in clean jars.
5) Store in fridge for 2 months or freezer for longer.
Recipe Notes:
Sourcing your peonies: It’s best to use organically grown flowers any time you plan on eating flowers. Flower farms often use a lot of pesticides and chemicals to protect and preserve their crops, and when the intended end product isn’t for consumption, there’s no knowing what’s on them! I got mine from my neighbor’s untreated peony bush (and they were divine!). Check your local organic farms, locally grown florists, farmers’ markets, or even on community pages to ask who has some peonies to share!
Anyway to make this less sugary? Well, yes and no. Jams and jellies have a lot of sugar, that’s just how it is. I use raw cane sugar for a slightly less refined sugar option. You could swap the sugar for honey, but once heated the honey loses its beneficial properties and becomes expensive glucose. Alternatively, you could steep the petals in just water (bring to a boil for 10 minutes, keeping the lid on, then allow to cool completely) and stir in raw honey for a simple syrup.
Could you do this with other types of flowers? Absolutely! There are SO MANY incredible, edible flowers out there, just make sure they’re organically grown. My favorites are rose, lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, and dandelion. There’s also calendula, zinnia, jasmine, nasturtiums, echinacea, elderflower, and so many more!
Are there any medicinal benefits to peonies? Prepare to have your mind blown… both the petals and roots of peonies have been used in traditional medicine, especially in Chinese medicine, for their potential health benefits. While peony petals are generally considered safe in small amounts, other parts of the plant, such as the roots and seeds, can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. You should probably also avoid them if you’re pregnant or nursing, just in case.
Anti-inflammatory: Peony root, particularly from the species Paeonia lactiflora (commonly known as Chinese peony), contains compounds like paeoniflorin that have anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it useful in the treatment of conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Pain Relief: Peony root has been traditionally used for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It is sometimes used to alleviate muscle cramps and spasms.
Immunomodulatory: Some studies suggest that peonies can modulate the immune system, making it potentially beneficial for autoimmune conditions.
Sedative and Antispasmodic: Peony is also known for its mild sedative and antispasmodic effects. It is often used to help with sleep disorders and to reduce anxiety.
Menstrual Health: In traditional Chinese medicine, peony is frequently used to treat menstrual disorders. It is believed to help regulate menstrual cycles, assist with androgen excess, relieve menstrual cramps, and address symptoms of PMS.
Skin Health: Peony extracts are sometimes used in skincare for their purported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help in treating conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Peony colada mocktail
Makes 1 Serving | Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 0 Minutes
This is a measure-with-your-heart kind of recipe! Adapt proportions to taste
Peony Mint Sugar
• Sugar
• Fresh peony petals (washed and dried)
• Fresh mint
Peony Colada
• Ice
• Peony Jelly (start small, it’s strong!)
• Lime, zest and juice
• Fresh mint
• Canned coconut milk
• Filtered water
1) Make the sugar. Use a mortar and pestle to combine, or a blender if you don’t have one. TIP: save the extra sugar to make a yummy sugar scrub!
2) Spread a thin layer of peony jelly along the outer rim of the glass and coat it with the peony mint sugar.
3) In a mason jar (or cocktail maker) combine all of the colada ingredients and shake shake shake until the jelly is fully dissolved. Enjoy!
Raspberry lime peony spritzer mocktail
Makes 2 Servings | Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cook Time: 0 Minutes
This is a measure-with-your-heart kind of recipe! Adapt proportions to taste.
• Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lime, zest and juice
• Peony Jelly (start small, it’s strong)
• Spindrift Raspberry Lime Sparking Water
1) Combine the raspberries, mint, and lime and lightly muddle together
2) Add your peony jelly
NOTE: To make a “simple syrup” from peony jelly. Add jelly to a jar with some filtered water and shake until dissolved. Keep in the fridge and use within 1 month.
3) Top with Spindrift and enjoy!
Peony mint sugar scrub
Makes 1 Cup | Prep Time: 5 Minutes | Cure Time: 2 days
Peonies offer notable benefits for the skin, including antioxidant protection that helps combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, leading to a decrease in premature aging. Their anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling, while their brightening effects even out skin tone and diminish dark spots. Additionally, peony extracts enhance skin hydration, improve the skin barrier, and may promote collagen production, contributing to reduced wrinkles and improved skin elasticity. These properties make peony-infused skincare products beneficial for achieving a radiant, youthful, and healthy complexion!
• 1 c Sugar
• 1/2 c Fresh peony petals (washed and dried)
• 10 Sprigs fresh mint
• 3 tbsp Almond oil (or other light oil like sunflower, apricot, jojoba, or coconut)
• 3-5 drops DoTerra Essential Oils (such as wild orange - or any citrus , peppermint or supermint, jasmine, lavender, bergamot)
1) In a mortar and pestle (or blender) combine the sugar, peony petals, and mint and grind until the petals are fully incorporated into the sugar and an even texture/consistency is achieved.
2) Spread the sugar mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let sit on the counter (or in the oven with just the light on) for 1-2 days to completely dry out
3) When the sugar mixture is completely dry, pour it into a mixing bowl.
4) In a separate, small bowl add your oil and essential oils, stir to combine.
5) To the bowl with the sugar, add oil 1 tbsp at a time and mix until fully combined.
6) Transfer to a glass container with a tightly sealed lid. As long as water is not introduced into the mixture, the scrub should last for 6-12 months, or longer!
7) To use, apply to damp skin and rub in a circular motion to gently exfoliate dead or dry skin. Rinse with warm water and enjoy silky smooth, nourished skin!
