Are basil flowers edible?

While you may tried sugared violet candy or rose petal sorbet, not all flowers are edible. The flowers of the annual common pea (Pisum sativum), for example, can be eaten, along with the peas, yet the annual sweet pea flower (Lathyrus odoratus) is highly toxic. read more

Basil is one of many herbs in which both the flowers and the foliage are edible. Like many pesto enthusiasts, you probably pinch the blooms from your basil plants to encourage lusher leaf growth. Fortunately, the best time to do this -- as flowers develop -- is also when the flowers are at their most palatable. read more