The vast range of flowers within China has recently been focused on by experts, who believe that they may hold the key to developing many new foods or medicines. Edible flowers are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a source of nutrition that are often recommended by health care practitioners.
As food supplements, flowers can add fragrance and improve taste. Notably Jasmine, rose and osmanthus are used in the production of beverages, cakes and sweets. They can also relieve heat or illness: rose water particularly can alleviate the effects of heat.
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Fresh flower powder contains 25% protein, large amounts of sugar, fat, microelements, enzymes and antibiotics, and is high in amino acids. Experts are hoping that the numerous unknown bioactive elements also contained in flower powder may be a source for medicinal fortifiers and cures.
Edible flowers have attracted increased attention since they have been commercially grown in greenhouses and plant nurseries. The international demand for some flower oils has resulted in soaring prices with rose oil, for example, fetching between US$964 and US$1205 per kg.
