"A Feast for the Senses: Exploring Edible Flowers of the Mediterranean"

In Mediterranean countries, there are several edible flowers that are commonly used in culinary dishes. Here are some examples:

1. *Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus):* Nasturtium flowers have a peppery flavor and are often used in salads, garnishes, or as a colorful addition to dishes.

2. *Lavender (Lavandula spp.):* Lavender flowers have a sweet, floral flavor and are used to infuse desserts, teas, syrups, or added to baked goods for a fragrant touch.

3. *Rose (Rosa spp.):* Rose petals are edible and have a delicate, floral flavor. They can be used fresh in salads, candied for desserts, or infused into syrups, jams, and teas.

4. *Calendula (Calendula officinalis):* Calendula flowers have a slightly spicy, peppery flavor and are often used in salads, soups, or steeped as a tea. They can also be dried and used to add color to rice dishes or as a saffron substitute.

5. *Borage (Borago officinalis):* Borage flowers have a mild, cucumber-like flavor and are used fresh as a garnish in salads, cocktails, or frozen into ice cubes for decorative drinks.

6. *Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla):* Chamomile flowers have a sweet, apple-like flavor and are commonly used to make herbal teas. They can also be used fresh as a garnish or infused into syrups and desserts.

7. *Elderflower (Sambucus nigra):* Elderflower blossoms have a sweet, floral flavor and are used to make elderflower cordial, syrups, liqueurs, or added to desserts and salads for a fragrant touch.

8. *Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):* Hibiscus flowers have a tart, cranberry-like flavor and are used to make herbal teas, jams, syrups, or added to salads and desserts for a vibrant color and flavor.

9. *Violet (Viola spp.):* Violet flowers have a delicate, floral flavor and are often used as a garnish in salads, desserts, or candied for decoration.

10. *Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale):* Dandelion flowers have a slightly sweet, honey-like flavor and can be used to make dandelion wine, syrups, fritters, or added to salads for a pop of color and flavor.

These are just a few examples of edible flowers commonly found in Mediterranean countries. Always ensure that flowers are grown without pesticides and are safe for consumption before using them in culinary dishes.