Scented geraniums - which are incorrectly called that because they are actually scented leaf geraniums - have been specifically bred in South Africa and parts of Namibia for at least 200 years. The plants are also very popular in this country not only because of their beautiful flowers, but also because of their versatility.
Are scented geraniums edible and usable in the kitchen?
Yes, scented geraniums are edible and have many uses. Both the leaves and flowers can be used in the kitchen to flavor and garnish sweet and savory dishes. It is best to use specially grown plants to avoid pollutants.
Scented geraniums with an intense aroma
The intense scent of the scented geraniums does not come from the flowers, but from the leaves. These contain numerous glands that are filled with essential oils and which the plant naturally uses to defend itself against insects, pests and predators. The range of scent variations is extremely wide: In addition to lemony, mint or rose-like aromas, there are also scented geraniums with rather bitter or spicy aromas of pine resin, nutmeg, ginger, apple, orange or peach.
Versatile scented geraniums in the kitchen
The leaves of scented pelargoniums can be used in many different ways. You can dry them and use them for potpourris or scented sachets, but you can also use them fresh to garnish and flavor sweet and savory dishes. Not only the leaves but also the flowers are edible.
Use lemon scented geranium
Scented geraniums with a lemony scent such as Pelargonium crispum or Pelargonium odoratissimum are traditionally used primarily to flavor teas, but also for sorbets (very tasty with raspberries, for example) or in fruit salads. The chopped leaves are also tasty as a substitute for salad herbs.
Rose scented geranium in the kitchen
Pelargonium capitatum and Pelargonium graveolens smell intensely of roses and are used primarily in Great Britain to refine cakes, tarts, desserts (such as various creams) and jams. For example, they taste particularly good in combination with various berries (e.g. currants, raspberries).
Use mint scented geranium
Pelargonium tomentosum is a scented geranium with an intense mint aroma and can be used wherever you would use mint leaves: the finely cut leaves flavor teas and lemonades, but are also ideal for Arabic (orArabic-inspired cuisine.
What else you should pay attention to when using it
If you want to use scented geraniums in the kitchen, then you should only use plants that you keep yourself. Specimens purchased commercially (and not explicitly approved for consumption) are often pre-treated with pesticides and therefore cannot be eaten with a clear conscience.
Tip
Lemon scented geraniums in particular are often planted to ward off summer wasp plagues.