Have you ever smelled a chocolate flower? The scent will definitely remind you of the delicately melting sweet. The only question is whether the chocolate flower gets its name from its scent alone or whether it is actually edible.
Is the chocolate flower edible?
The chocolate flower is fragrant and reminiscent of chocolate, but its flowers are inedible and of no culinary interest. However, they are non-toxic and harmless to humans and animals as long as pesticides are not used.
Fragrant flowers
The chocolate flower is a very unusual plant in every respect. Her name alone shows that. In a sunny location, its flowers exude a unique scent that is unmistakably reminiscent of chocolate. Children in particular are therefore inclined to taste the flowers. Unfortunately, disappointment sets in when you chew. The taste has nothing in common with the smell. The flowers of the chocolate flower are completely uninteresting for culinary use.
Different varieties
Did you know that there are two types of chocolate flowers?:
- Berlandiera lyrata (Aster)
- Cosmos atrosanguineus (cosm)
The real version has yellow flowers and smells of milk chocolate. The other type is the black cosmos, which is incorrectly called the chocolate flower. However, their deep red flowers are more similar to the sweet treat. It smells like dark chocolate.
Poisonous?
Although the flowers of the chocolate flower are not edible, you don't have to worry if children snack on the plant. Consumption does not cause any he alth consequences in humans or animals. Furthermore, the amount consumed from a single flower would certainly not be enough to poison a person.
Other hazards
However, caution is advised in the event of a pest infestation. The chocolate flower is often attacked by aphids. Children should under no circumstances eat these. It becomes even more dangerous when the scent of someone else's chocolate flowers from the neighbor's garden tempts children to eat them and they use chemical pesticides to combat pests.
Tip
It is best to combine chocolate flowers and colorful nasturtiums to keep pest infestation as low as possible. The composition not only creates a practical benefit, but also a wonderful look.
