There are 70 varieties of edible flowers in the world, and 50 of them are grown in Mexico , a country that is among the largest consumers of this type of food, according to Gourmet Show .
Every day, flowers gain ground in the world of gastronomy due to their flavor, versatility, and nutritional properties, said Alfredo Cordero, Creative Director of Tradex , a Mexican company that will bring to Mexico the 12th edition of Gourmet Show .
He asked to take into account the fact that the varieties used inside the kitchen cannot be - under any circumstance - cut flowers, because they must be free of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and toxic fertilizers .
The consumption of some flowers, such as those belonging to the genus Allium , strengthens the immune system; they contain 80 percent of water and, depending on the variety, can provide vitamins A and C , as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium .
Currently, there is a large variety of flowers that can be brought to the table, Cordero said in a statement.
According to a study published by the National Polytechnic Institute , through the Center for the Development of Biotic Products of Morelos , there are more than 70 flowers suitable for human consumption, of which between 30 and 50 can be found in Mexico.
Violets
are the best-known edible flowers, they have a mild and pleasant taste, and its colors allow it to generate a contrast in the dishes and bring diversity to the gourmet kitchen, they can be served fresh, dry, crystallized, or candied.
Some of the most common edible flowers are the “Jamaica” flower (hibiscus flower), pumpkin, lavender, bougainvillea, rose, geranium, dahlia, borage, mastuerzo, carnation, mallow, chamomile, dandelion, and cempasuchil .
From August 30 to September 1 , the Gourmet Show will be held, along with the Chocolate Lounge and Expo Café , at the WTC Mexico City .
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