Grocery Guides
Pansies – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce
What are pansies?
Where did pansies originate?
Flowers used in food dates back to Roman times and a range of cultures. Using them to decorate food was quite fashionable in the Victorian era and has made a comeback today.
Originally a wildflower seen as a weed, the pansy came into popularity in the early 19th century. Lady Mary Elizabeth Bennet, daughter of the Earl of Tankerville, worked with her gardener to cross-breed and cultivate the pansy. In 1812, the pansy was introduced to the world. The following year, a group of horticulturists cultivated them even more. By 1833, there were more than 400 varieties of pansies, including bi-color, tri-color, hanging versions, and flowers with new, showier faces.
How do pansies grow?
What is the nutritional value of pansies?
When are pansies in season?
How to shop for pansies
Only use edible versions of pansies that are grown specifically for consumption and don’t contain pesticides. Look for at least one of these words on the label indicating the flowers are safe to eat:
- Food grade
- Organic
- Edible
Use this information to share with your Instacart partner. Then, simply add the pansies to your cart and add your preferences in the comments section.
How to store pansies
How to tell if pansies are bad
If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for pansies via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for pansies.
How to decorate with pansies
What can I substitute for pansies?
There’s a wide range of edible flowers you can find in your garden or a specialty market. Not every flower can be safely eaten., especially if you don’t know if it’s been treated with pesticides. Consult with a medical or plant expert before eating any flower you’ve picked yourself. Here are some flowers you can use if pansies are unavailable or out of season:
- Begonia
- Carnation
- Dahlia
- Dianthus
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Marigold
- Orchid
- Mum
- Rose
There’s also a range of herb and vegetable blossoms that make a pretty plate. But keep in mind you should avoid using these types of flowers on desserts as they’ll impart a savory flavor that wouldn’t complement the sweet flavor of your dessert.
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Arugula blossom
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Basil blossom
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Chive blossom
-
Cilantro blossom
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Mustard flower
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Squash blossom
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Thyme blossom
How to use pansies
Besides using pansies to decorate a sweet treat, you can also use them in savory dishes. Bring color to your menu with edible flowers year-round. Try incorporating them as a garnish to a dish, or add them to a fresh green salad for a hint of minty flavor.
When you’re ready to look for pansies for your next dish, Instacart is here to help. Get same-day pickup or delivery straight to your door. Shop for edible pansies today to enjoy stamen, pistil, and sepals (the tiny leaves under the flower) in your cooking.
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