Would you like a colorful splash of color on your plate? How about primrose flowers? They come in white, orange, yellow, red, pink, purple, blue and multicolored. There are therefore no limits to your wishes. But you shouldn't be careless
Which primroses are edible?
Are primroses edible? Yes, some species of primroses such as cushion primroses and cowslips are edible and can be used in salads, stews, desserts or tea. However, caution is advised as poisonous species such as cup primroses can cause harmful he alth consequences.
Don't eat all the primroses
There are numerous species of primroses. Not all of them are edible. The well-known cup primrose, for example, is poisonous and should not be eaten. It contains a high concentration of a toxin called Primin.
The toxin Primin and its effects
Skin contact with Primin can lead to inflammation. So-called primrose dermatitis occurs in sensitive people. Itching, blisters, swelling and pain on the skin are the symptoms. It is therefore advisable to wear rubber gloves (€11.00 on Amazon) as a precaution when handling primroses.
Eating poisonous primroses such as cup primroses can cause gastrointestinal problems as well as nausea and vomiting. Even animals such as cats and birds are not immune to the effects. If you have been poisoned by primroses, you need to act quickly. A trip to the vet should not be missed.
Which parts of plants are edible
Pillow primroses and cowslips (also belong to the primroses) are also widespread. They are edible and contain no toxins. Both the flowers and the leaves and roots can be eaten.
The leaves, flowers and roots in use
The plant parts can be used in many ways in the kitchen. Whether fresh or dried, they taste mild. For example, the leaves can be used in salads and stews and the flowers can be used in sweet desserts and fruit salads, as well as sugared on a cake. Herbal syrup can also be made from the plant parts of the primroses. The preparation as a tea infusion is primarily used for medicinal purposes.
Primroses as medicinal plants
Primroses are known as medicinal plants. They impress with their high saponin content. These are mainly contained in the sepals and roots. Primroses help with:
- cough
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Whooping cough
- Vertigo
- Gout
- Asthma
- Headache
- Trembling limbs
Tips & Tricks
You should not eat pre-grown primroses from the florist or hardware store. They are over-fertilized and usually treated with pesticides. This will do more harm than good to your he alth.
