Crafting Edible Flowers For A Wedding Cake Masterpiece

Flowers are a fun and creative way to add vibrancy and colour to cakes. They are often used as a decoration method for large celebration cakes and can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to make them look professional and stand out. However, it is very important to remember that not all flowers are edible and, in fact, some are highly toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested. This article will provide an introduction to the topic of how to make edible flowers for a wedding cake, covering the different types of edible flowers and their potential dangers, as well as offering safety tips for using them as decorations.

Choosing edible flowers

• Only use flowers that are grown specifically for consumption. Edible flowers from markets and garden centres are often sprayed with pesticides, so look for labels that say "food grade", "edible", or "organic".
• Pay attention to flavours when choosing flowers. For example, chive flowers are beautiful, but you may not want your cake to taste or smell like onions.
• Buy flowers as close to the wedding day as possible to ensure freshness. You can store them in a dry bag or container in the refrigerator for a day or two if needed, but the longer you wait, the higher the possibility of discoloration or wilting.
• Avoid florist flowers, as they might have been sprayed with pesticides and fertilisers. Instead, buy your flowers from a certified organic grower to ensure they are safe to consume.
• Be mindful of the colours and shapes of the petals to complement the other flowers in your wedding. While you don't want to be too matchy-matchy, having some common colours or shapes can be complementary.
• Do not use the stems of the flowers, as some green parts are poisonous. Only use the buds and petals.
• Wash your flowers before use to remove any pesticides and bugs. Gently shake them dry and then use a soft cloth or paper towel to dry them completely. Hang roses and similar flowers upside down to avoid water collecting between the petals.
• If you are unsure about the edibility of a flower, it is best to err on the side of caution and choose a different option.
• Nasturtiums (flowers and leaves)
• Gladiolus flowers
• Squash blossoms
• Campanula
• Borage flowers
• Japanese magnolia blooms
• Pansies
• Columbine
• Stock
• Violets
• Dahlia petals
• Bachelor's button
• Orange cosmos
• Snapdragons
• Roses
• Flowering rosemary
• Flowering thyme
• Chamomile flowers and leaves
• Lilacs
• Hibiscus
• Orchids
• Impatiens
• Begonias
• Tulips (petals only)

How to buy edible flowers

When buying edible flowers, it's important to remember that not all flowers are edible or safe to consume. Some blooms, like hydrangeas, are highly poisonous. Even flowers that are edible may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that are unsafe for consumption. Therefore, it is crucial to only purchase flowers that are specifically grown for consumption.

• Source from reputable suppliers: Look for suppliers who specialise in edible flowers, such as Cherry Valley Organics or Gourmet Sweet Botanicals. These suppliers ensure their flowers are safe for consumption and provide a variety of options.
• Check labels: When purchasing edible flowers, look for labels that indicate the flowers are "food grade", "edible", or "organic". This ensures they are safe to consume and haven't been treated with harmful chemicals.
• Buy from local farmers: Seek out growers at your local farmers' market or organic growers in your area. They can advise on which flowers are safe to eat and provide you with fresh, seasonal options.
• Avoid florist flowers: Flowers from florists, even if they are edible species, are generally not recommended for consumption due to potential pesticide or fertiliser treatment.
• Order online: If you can't find edible flowers locally, consider ordering from online sources that specialise in edible flowers.
• Timing: Buy flowers as close as possible to the day you plan to use them to ensure they are at their freshest. If needed, you can store them in a dry container in the refrigerator for a day or two.
• Flavour and colour: Consider the flavour and colour of the flowers when choosing them. For example, chive flowers may not be the best choice for a cake unless you want an onion flavour. Select colours that complement the overall theme or other flowers you plan to use.
• Storage: Store your edible flowers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. This will help keep them fresh and perky.
• Avoid stems: When decorating with edible flowers, avoid using the stems as some green parts can be poisonous. Only use the buds and petals for decoration.
• Check safety guidelines: Familiarise yourself with safety guidelines when consuming flowers. Some flowers may be safe to eat but not for certain individuals with specific health conditions. Always double-check with your local wedding cake bakers or flower farmers to ensure the flowers you choose are safe for consumption.

How to prepare flowers for a cake

Decorating a cake with flowers is a fun and creative way to add vibrancy and colour, and it's a particularly popular choice for wedding cakes. However, it's important to remember that not all flowers are suitable for this purpose. Some flowers are highly toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested, so it's crucial to choose only edible flowers for your cake. Here are some tips on how to prepare flowers for a cake:

• Choose the right flowers: Select flowers that are safe for human consumption. Examples include roses, lavender, dahlias, pansies, violas, nasturtiums, gladiolus flowers, squash blossoms, and Japanese magnolia blooms. Avoid toxic flowers such as lilies, delphinium, yellow jasmine, foxglove, oleander, hydrangeas, and azaleas.
• Source edible flowers: Buy your flowers from a certified organic grower to ensure they are safe to eat. Locally grown, organic flowers are more sustainable and free of harmful chemicals. You can also grow your own edible flowers if you have a green thumb.
• Prepare the flowers: Wash the petals and stems of each flower to remove any pesticides or insects. Gently shake them to remove excess water, and then dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel. Hang roses and similar flowers upside down to dry to prevent water from collecting between the petals.
• Store properly: Keep your flowers refrigerated in an airtight container until you are ready to use them. This will help prevent wilting and keep them fresh.
• Timing is key: Add the flowers to your cake as close to serving time as possible. Flowers can wilt quickly at room temperature, so it's best to decorate the cake just a few hours before your event.
• Placement matters: When placing the flowers on the cake, use a combination of icing and cocktail sticks to support the weight of the blooms. Avoid pushing the stems directly into the cake, as they may have been soaked in non-food-safe water during transportation.
• Consider the design: Think about the colours and shapes of the flowers to complement the overall design of your cake and the event. You can go for a confetti-style cake by mixing petals into the icing or be bold with colours by covering the cake in petals or whole blooms.
• Be cautious: If you're unsure about the safety of a flower, it's best to leave it out. Always prioritise the health and safety of your guests.

How to assemble a cake with flowers

Flowers can be a fun and creative way to add vibrancy and colour to cakes, but it is important to remember that not all flowers are edible. In fact, some flowers are highly toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested.

Choosing the Right Flowers

When selecting flowers for your cake, it is crucial to choose edible and non-toxic varieties. Examples of edible flowers include roses, lavender, dahlias, pansies, and violas. Avoid flowers such as lilies, delphiniums, yellow jasmine, foxglove, hydrangeas, azaleas, and oleander, as they are poisonous if consumed. Ensure that the flowers have been grown organically and are free from pesticides or other chemicals.

Preparing the Flowers

Wash the flowers thoroughly to remove any pesticides or insects. Gently shake them to remove excess water, and then dry them with a soft cloth or paper towel. Hang flowers like roses upside down to avoid water collecting between the petals.

Timing

Add the flowers to your cake as close to serving as possible. Flowers can wilt quickly at room temperature, so it is best to decorate the cake a few hours before serving.

Assembly

When assembling the cake, start with a completely cooled cake. Level the layers by removing the domed tops with a serrated knife. Spread a heaping cup of frosting onto the first layer, using an offset spatula or butter knife held parallel to the cake. Spread the frosting outward in a back-and-forth motion to avoid crumbs. Repeat this process for each layer.

Create a crumb coat by adding a thin layer of frosting to lock in crumbs and create a foundation for the outer frosting. Use plenty of frosting to avoid lifting the spatula or touching the cake layers. Smooth off any excess.

Add dollops of frosting to the tops and sides, then spread them out until the cake looks smooth. Don't worry about minor imperfections, as the flowers will cover them.

Arranging the Flowers

When adding the flowers, start with larger blooms towards the bottom of the cake, especially if you are working with a multi-tiered cake. This will help to avoid overwhelming smaller tiers. You can lay the flowers on top of the cake for easy removal before cutting, or wrap plastic wrap around shortened stems and insert them directly into the cake for more stability. Play with height and dimension by varying the placement of the flowers.

For a simple yet elegant look, consider placing one or two roses opposite each other on each tier. If you're feeling more adventurous, create a rainbow or a confetti design using small flowers. You can also mix petals into the icing for a speckled finish or press petals into the cake for a natural, rustic look.

Remember to remove any toxic flowers or non-edible decorations before serving the cake.

How to store a cake with flowers

Storing a cake with flowers requires a few extra steps to ensure the flowers are safe and the cake stays fresh. Here is a detailed guide on how to store a cake with flowers:

Prepare the Flowers:

Before you begin decorating your cake, it is important to choose flowers that are safe for consumption or contact with food. Avoid florist-grade flowers as they are often treated with pesticides and fertilisers. Opt for edible flowers or food-grade flowers from a certified organic grower. Wash and thoroughly dry the flowers before use.

Wrap the Stems:

Cut the flower stems to the desired length, typically 2-3 inches long. Wrap the stems with floral tape to create a barrier between the stem and the cake. This will prevent any flower secretion or toxins from leaking into the cake. You can also use food-safe wax, plastic wrap, or chocolate to seal the stems.

Inserting the Flowers:

If possible, avoid pushing the stems directly into the cake. Instead, use toothpicks, straws, or water picks to support the weight of the flower on the outside of the cake. Another option is to create a small fondant ball and stick the wrapped stems into it before placing the whole piece on top of the cake.

Storing the Cake:

It is best to add flowers to the cake at the last possible moment, especially if the environment is warm, as flowers can quickly wilt. Keep the cake refrigerated until it is time to serve. Fresh flowers on a cake typically last around eight hours in the refrigerator and a few hours outside of it.

Transportation:

If you need to transport the cake, it is best to assemble the flowers on-site. Wrap the boxed cake in catering-grade cling film to create a microclimate and keep everything cool during transportation.

Flower Care:

To keep flowers fresh before use, follow the instructions on the packet of flower vitamins and keep them in water. Buy more flowers than you need to account for any wilting.

By following these steps, you can safely store and display a cake with flowers, ensuring that your creation looks beautiful and stays fresh.

Frequently asked questions