Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: queenbee on June 27, 2012, 23:38:10

Title: nasturtiums
Post by: queenbee on June 27, 2012, 23:38:10
I have grown nasturtiums from seed as I gathered that pickling the buds or seed pods are like capers, I am not sure which is it buds or seed pods that you use? Help!
Title: Re: nasturtiums
Post by: Eamon on June 28, 2012, 00:01:06
You can stir-fry the flower, but it's best to pick them early in the morning because they become too peppery later in the day. It's also good to freeze them for later use.
Title: Re: nasturtiums
Post by: Toshofthe Wuffingas on June 28, 2012, 02:58:22
My daughter living in Spain told me last week she'd pickled 250 grams, around half a pound of nasturtians but she didn't say if they were buds or seed pods. I would have guessed seed pods.
In Spain in the markets they sell gigantic capers. She brought some by special request on her last visit to Blighty and I have them in the fridge in vinegar.
Title: Re: nasturtiums
Post by: goodlife on June 28, 2012, 08:07:05
It is the seeds that are used like capers.
Like already mentioned, flowers are adible too.
I've eaten small leaves too and haven't died yet.. ::) :-X (human slug again)
Title: Re: nasturtiums
Post by: antipodes on June 28, 2012, 11:02:42
Yes use the little seed pods, they look a bit like dried chickpeas! They are quite peppery. You can also eat the flowers, very pretty decorating a salad and yes I believe the leaves are edible but why would you? (unless you are a bit dotty like goodlife!)
I have LOADS of them, and actually if you take off some of the flowering bits of the plants, they last a good while in a vase and are very pretty.
Title: Re: nasturtiums
Post by: gp.girl on June 28, 2012, 23:43:56
They seed everywhere, I have variagated ones so they only get 5 foot long for the ramblers! Some plants are compact though. Tried the flowers, will now try the leaves and pickling the seeds. Do I just put them in vinegar?