Study about the use of edible flowers for gastronomic purposes In Portugal

Presently there is a growing interest in the use of edible flowers for gastronomic purposes, and hence, this study was carried out to verify to what extent some factors like sociodemographic characteristics, studies or social factors influenced the knowledge and consuming habits related to edible flowers. A questionnaire survey was undertaken in a sample of 247 Portuguese adults. The results showed that edible flowers were familiar for the majority of the participants who were aware of some aspects related to their consumption, although edible flowers are consumed only sporadically. The forms of utilization include cooking or incorporation into salads, and their taste is their most valued characteristic. The results further showed that gender as well as the area of work or studies influenced somehow the participants’ level of knowledge and consuming habits in relation to edible flowers. However, the risks associated to the consumption of edible flowers still pose some challenges, because an important number of participants still lack knowledge about this.