Dahlias, which come from Mexico, are widespread in gardens in this country and are primarily known for their visual appeal. Very few people know that these plants are also edible. Many centuries ago they were even valued as food.
Are dahlias edible and which parts can be used?
Dahlias are edible, non-toxic and can be used in cooking, both their tubers and their flowers. The tubers taste similar to potatoes and can be eaten cooked or raw, while the petals have a sweet to neutral taste and can serve as a colorful addition to salads, soups and teas.
Are all dahlias edible or are there poisonous specimens?
All Dahlias are edible. There are no varieties that contain toxins and are of concern to humans. This also applies to pets such as dogs and cats.
Which parts of the dahlia plant are edible?
Theoretically you can eatall parts of the plant of a dahlia. But mostly the dahlia tuber and flowers are used. The leaves are also edible, but their use is less common.
Which dahlias are particularly suitable for consumption?
There are special dahlia breeds that are said to taste particularly good, such as the varieties 'Hapet(R) Black Jack' and 'Hapet(R) Kennedy'. The varieties mentioned were bred specifically for consumption and their tubers have an excellent aroma. Some cactus dahlias are also tasty.
Many other dahlias are also edible, but they often taste bland and not very aromatic. Just try it out!
How do the dahlia tubers taste?
The tubers of the dahlias are starchy and their taste is reminiscent ofPotatoes A subtle sweetness paired with a delicate spice are combined in the tubers' taste. Some dahlia varieties can even impress with a celery, Jerusalem artichoke, fennel or even kohlrabi aroma. Basically, you can eat the tubers of the dahlias raw or cooked, although they develop a more delicate taste when cooked.
What taste do the dahlia flowers have?
The dahlia flowers taste slightlysweetto relativelytasteless. It is mainly the colorful petals that you can use in the kitchen. They give different dishes colorful highlights.
Which dishes can be enriched with dahlias?
You can prepare the tubers of the dahliaslike potatoes for example fried, boiled, baked or mashed.
The petals are best forSalads. They also go well in dips, spreads, soups and tea. When dried, they have a long shelf life and can be stored in small cans or jars until needed. Some people even make liqueur or flower syrup from the petals of the dahlias.
The leaves are suitable for salads or steamed as a vegetable with fish and meat.
Tip
Harvest and store the dahlia tubers like potatoes
When you take the dahlia tubers out of the ground in autumn, you can briefly clean them with a cloth and then store them in a dry, dark place in the cellar. If stored in good conditions, they will last until next spring, similar to potatoes.
