Using Nasturtium Flowers and Leaves

Some people grow nasturtiums for beauty, and some add them to their grocery list! Nasturtium flowers can be used in appetizers, butter or steeped in vinegar. Versatility for this spicy flower.

Obviously use nasturtiums that you've grown yourself, or from a reliable source that doesn't use herbicides, pesticides, miracle grow, etc.

Nasturtium Vinegar
In a large canning jar, add white wine vinegar, leaving at least 1 inch headspace. Add your homegrown nasturtium flowers (any color!) - make sure you've inspected them for bugs. Cover and let steep for 4 days. Change out flowers and steep another 4 days. Do 2 or 3 more times. The color of the vinegar will change. Will make a great dressing for a salad.

Nasturtium Butter
Soften butter and add to food processor. Add lots of nasturtium flowers and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Process to completely combine. Freeze in little logs. Pull them out and use all winter for a taste of summer! Add little pats of nasturtium butter to freshly grilled fish or potatoes or whatever you can come up with.

Nasturtium Appetizers
Experiment with this: combine a package of softened cream cheese, a quarter-cup of raisins, and a quarter-cup of walnuts. Add some chopped mint if desired. Dollop on to nasturtium leaves, roll up, and tie with a long-stemmed flower. Beautiful presentation.

Nasturtium Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, basil and nasturtium flowers. Simple, colorful and delicious! (Add chopped zucchini if desired.)