This recipe was created and posted back in April 2009. I was rummaging through Facciola’s Cornucopia II: A Source Book of Edible Plants where he mentions pickled magnolia flowers.
Facciola goes on to reference U.P. Hedrick’s edition of Sturtevant鈥檚 edible plants of the world where he says: ‘The flowers are pickled in some parts of Devonshire, England, and are considered exquisite in flavour’.
This Pickled Magnolia flowers recipe is quite simply, exquisite. I have used Magnolia soulangeana, and Magnolia grandiflora.
There are a number of different species of edible Magnolia flowers that you can use.
The texture and taste is nothing more than Love Food. Every person that has tasted this recipe (and that鈥檚 quite a few), remark how amazing the Magnolia flowers are.
Although the end result looks like pickled oysters in malt vinegar, the flavour will convert you as soon as it hits your taste buds.
Pickled Magnolia Flowers Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh young edible magnolia flowers that have been separated.
- 1 1/2 cups rice vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Pickled Magnolia Flowers Recipe Instructions
Wash and dry the Magnolia flowers with paper towels and put them in a sterilised jar along with the salt.
Mix the rice vinegar and sugar in a pan and bring to a boil. Pour the hot mixture of vinegar and sugar over the Magnolia flowers, allow to cool, then screw a cap on the jar.
Eat the Pickled Magnolia Flowers either when cold or as an accompaniment with salads.
Makes about 1 cup
How long do you let them sit before eating them?
You could start to eat them within 24 hours, but best to leave a minimum of a week really. The longer you leave them, the more they infuse.
Thanks so much! I鈥檓 also curious, for sealed and opened, how you store them and how long they last. I tried a little nibble and they are delicious already!
Um, they usually don’t last long in my household as they end up in my tummy rather quickly 馃檪 That being said I did leave some, one year, for a good 6 months and they were fine. I kept them in a sealed Kilner jar.
Did you process the jars after filling them?
Shelby: I don’t understand what you mean.
I think Shelby meant do you seal the jars, in boiling water, like you would for canning jam.
Can you use a vinegar other than rice?
Yes, you can use any vinegar. A mild flavoured one would be better, like white wine vinegar instead of mal vinegar.
My magnolia flowers were damaged by frost last night whilst still on the tree, they are now limp and brown. Do you think if I dry them out they may still be edible pickled? I will try anyway perhaps.
Limp and brown is not good. I’d leave them.
You are right of course, but it was a shame as they were a wonderful display that we did not want to pick immediately.
Can we use another container aside from a mason jar?
Yes. Use whatever you like. My recipes are simply starting points. Adapt as you see fit.
So love the wide variety of ideas you offer, thank you for that. Do you by any means know, whether the Magnolia Genie is edible as well? (I mean I ate one leaf and nothing happened, but I do not see it in your list)
thank you so much and all the best
Iris