Hydrangeas On Wedding Cakes: Are They Safe Or Poisonous?

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding decorations, including wedding cakes. However, it is important to note that hydrangeas are toxic to humans and can cause adverse reactions if ingested. As such, it is not recommended to place hydrangeas directly on wedding cakes, as it poses a health risk to guests. There are alternative ways to incorporate hydrangeas into your wedding cake design, such as using silk or gum paste hydrangeas, or placing them on a separate plate or stand.

Hydrangeas are toxic to humans and can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and lethargy

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations due to their beautiful blooms and romantic appeal. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these flowers. While it is unlikely that consuming small amounts of hydrangeas will lead to death, they can still cause significant discomfort and illness.

The leaves and buds of hydrangeas contain toxins, including cyanide, which can lead to poisoning if ingested. The symptoms of hydrangea poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, increased heart rate, and lethargy. In more severe cases, poisoning can result in laboured breathing, depression, and even coma. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid using fresh hydrangeas as a decoration on wedding cakes or any other edible item.

Some people may also experience contact dermatitis from handling hydrangeas, so it is important to wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly after coming into contact with these flowers. It is worth noting that even the sap from hydrangea stems can be toxic, so simply avoiding the leaves and buds may not be sufficient to prevent potential health issues.

To ensure the safety of your guests, it is recommended to choose alternative flowers that are non-toxic and edible. When in doubt, consult a professional baker or florist who can provide guidance on selecting safe and suitable flowers for your wedding cake.

Hydrangeas contain cyanide and hydragin, which are poisonous

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations, but it is important to be aware that they contain cyanide and hydragin, which are poisonous to humans. While it is unlikely that consuming hydrangeas will result in death, they can cause unpleasant symptoms such as vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, increase in heart rate, and increase in body temperature. In rare cases, poisoning from hydrangeas has also been known to cause comas.

Due to the toxic nature of hydrangeas, it is not advisable to place them directly on a cake. If you are set on having hydrangeas as part of your wedding cake display, it is recommended to use silk or gum paste flowers instead. These lookalikes can be very realistic and won't pose a health risk to your guests. Another option is to keep the flowers separate from the cake, either by using a barrier such as wax paper or parchment, or by placing the flowers on the table around the cake. This way, you can still achieve the desired aesthetic without risking contamination.

When it comes to choosing flowers for your wedding cake, it is crucial to prioritise food safety. Even if the flowers are not intended to be eaten, toxins can be transferred to the cake through contact with the frosting. It is always best to choose flowers that are non-toxic and, ideally, edible. Some popular choices include roses, calendulas, nasturtiums, hibiscus, violets, sunflowers, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chamomile.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that any flowers used on a cake are organically grown and free from pesticides. Flowers from supermarkets or florists may have been treated with chemicals, which you do not want on your cake. Opt for locally grown, pesticide-free flowers from a farmer's market, and always wash them thoroughly before use.

Fresh hydrangeas wilt fast, so they are not ideal for decorating cakes

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations, but it's important to be aware of the risks involved. While they are undoubtedly beautiful flowers, fresh hydrangeas are toxic to humans and can cause adverse reactions if ingested. Even placing them directly on a cake can be dangerous, as the toxins could be transferred to the cake through contact with the icing.

Fresh hydrangeas also present another challenge when it comes to cake decoration: they wilt very quickly. This is especially true if they are not placed in water, which is typically not possible when decorating a cake. As a result, hydrangeas can start to look wilted and ratty within a short period of time, detracting from the overall appearance of the cake.

To avoid the risks associated with fresh hydrangeas, it is recommended to use alternative options such as gumpaste or silk hydrangeas. These can be crafted to look incredibly realistic and won't pose any health or safety concerns. Another option is to pipe hydrangea petals using fondant, which is a cost-effective and edible alternative that can withstand any temperature and is not limited by seasonality.

When it comes to decorating cakes with fresh flowers, it is crucial to prioritize food safety and choose non-toxic, edible flowers. It is also important to ensure that the flowers have been organically grown and are free from pesticides. However, even with these precautions, fresh flowers can still introduce dirt or bugs onto the cake, so it is always a good idea to keep the cake refrigerated until it is ready to be served.

Hydrangeas are often treated with pesticides, which can be harmful if they come into contact with food

Even if the hydrangeas are from a local florist, they may have been treated with pesticides, or have come into contact with other flowers that have been. It is always best to ask about the growing practices and treatments used on the flowers. If you are in doubt about the safety of the flowers, it is best to avoid using them on a wedding cake.

To avoid the risk of contamination, some bakers choose to use silk or gum paste hydrangeas instead of fresh flowers. This is a good option if you still want the look of hydrangeas without the risk of toxicity or pesticide contamination. Another option is to use a barrier, such as a separator plate, small plastic dish, or wax paper, between the flowers and the cake. This will help to protect the cake from any toxins or pesticides that may be present in the flowers.

It is important to note that even with these precautions, there is still a risk of contamination. The stems of the flowers can leak sap into the cake, and pollen can drift onto the cake. The best way to avoid any potential harm is to avoid using hydrangeas or other toxic flowers on a wedding cake. There are many other beautiful and safe options available, such as roses, orchids, or peonies.

Alternatives to using fresh hydrangeas on cakes include sugar flowers, silk flowers, and gumpaste hydrangeas

While hydrangeas are toxic to humans, there are still ways to incorporate these flowers into your wedding cake design. One option is to use sugar or gumpaste hydrangeas, which are non-toxic and can be purchased or handmade. Sugar hydrangeas are a popular choice for cake decorations as they are easy to make and can be customised with different colours. Alternatively, silk flowers are another option for cake decorations, with many silk hydrangeas available online. Using silk flowers is a more cost-effective and long-lasting option compared to fresh flowers, and they can add a beautiful and elegant touch to your wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions