Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flower petals are edible, sweet with a mild flavor of nutmeg and clove. Some people describe the taste as peppery and slightly tangy. Carnation stems are inedible.

Since the seventeenth century, liquor makers have distilled carnation petals to use in the French liqueur chartreuse. You can sauté or candy carnation petals and use them as a garnish for various dishes and desserts, including soups, [cupcakes](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lemon-cupcakes-recipe), [sorbets](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-making-homemade-sorbet), and [ice creams](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/best-homemade-ice-cream-recipes). 
The carnation flowers at garden centers and in bouquets at florist shops have likely been treated with pesticides and [herbicides](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides) that make them unsafe for consumption. Look instead for a specialty grower who specifically designates their plants as [edible flowers](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/edible-flowers-explained).  
The carnation petals are the only part of the plant suitable for eating. Before using edible carnations in cooking, cut the petals away from the white base of the flower and discard the stamen and sepals. Wash the petals in cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Here are a few ways to incorporate carnation petals into your cooking:

1. __Add the petals to salads__. Once you’ve prepared carnation petals, you can add them to a salad of chopped [butter lettuce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-butter-lettuce-plus-a-simple-butter-lettuce-salad-recipe), [arugula](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arugula-plus-easy-arugula-pesto-recipe), thinly sliced [fennel](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cut-fennel), [mandarin](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mandarin-orange-storage-guide) slices, and dried cranberries. Cooks also often add edible carnations to the bases of aspics (savory gelatins) before chilling the dishes.
2. __Garnish ice creams__. Candied or plain carnation flowers add visual interest to frozen dairy desserts, such as ice creams and sorbets. Simply sprinkle the petals on top and enjoy. 
3. __Make candy carnation petals__. Candied flower petals add sweetness and vibrant color to pastries, desserts, [syrups](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-simple-syrup-for-cocktails), and jellies. To candy the petals, use a pastry brush to add a whisked [egg white](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-egg-yolks-and-egg-whites), then sprinkle the petals with superfine [confectioners’ sugar](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-confectioners-sugar). Allow them to dry on a sheet of parchment paper. 
4. __Mix the petals with other edible flowers__. When adorning baked goods or garnishing a plate, mix carnation petals with rose petals and the edible portions of [borage](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-borage-from-seed), anise, [bachelor’s button](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bachelor-button-flower-guide), coriander, [chicory](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-chicories-learn-how-to-cook-with-chicories-and-simple-chicory-salad-recipe), honeysuckle, [marigolds](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-marigolds-edible), nasturtiums, snapdragons, [dandelions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-dandelions-edible-raw), lilacs, hibiscus, [pansies](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-pansies-in-your-flower-garden), and violets. 
*Certain outdoor activities carry an elevated risk of serious injury. Wilderness scenarios require extensive survival gear, including but not limited to food, water, maps, protective clothing, and first aid, along with mental and physical fortitude. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for hard skills and expertise.*
Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).   
Carnation petals add a pleasant sweetness to a wide variety of dishes. They have a sweet flavor that is mildly peppery and tangy. Learn more about selecting and preparing edible carnations. 

Carnation petals add a pleasant sweetness to a wide variety of dishes. They have a sweet flavor that is mildly peppery and tangy. Learn more about selecting and preparing edible carnations. 

Are Carnations Edible? How to Prepare Carnation Petals 

Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) flower petals are edible, sweet with a mild flavor of nutmeg and clove. Some people describe the taste as peppery and slightly tangy. Carnation stems are inedible.Since the seventeenth century, liquor makers have distilled carnation petals to use in the French liqueur chartreuse. You can sauté or candy carnation petals and use them as a garnish for various dishes and desserts, including soups, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lemon-cupcakes-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/lemon-cupcakes-recipe","linkCopy":"cupcakes","category":null}'>cupcakes</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-making-homemade-sorbet' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-guide-to-making-homemade-sorbet","linkCopy":"sorbets","category":null}'>sorbets</a>, and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/best-homemade-ice-cream-recipes' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/best-homemade-ice-cream-recipes","linkCopy":"ice creams","category":null}'>ice creams</a>.

Are Carnations Edible? 

The carnation flowers at garden centers and in bouquets at florist shops have likely been treated with pesticides and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/herbicides","linkCopy":"herbicides","category":null}'>herbicides</a> that make them unsafe for consumption. Look instead for a specialty grower who specifically designates their plants as <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/edible-flowers-explained' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/edible-flowers-explained","linkCopy":"edible flowers","category":null}'>edible flowers</a>.

How to Identify Edible Carnation Petals

The carnation petals are the only part of the plant suitable for eating. Before using edible carnations in cooking, cut the petals away from the white base of the flower and discard the stamen and sepals. Wash the petals in cool water and pat them dry with paper towels.

How to Prepare Carnation Petals

Here are a few ways to incorporate carnation petals into your cooking:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Add the petals to salads. Once you’ve prepared carnation petals, you can add them to a salad of chopped <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-butter-lettuce-plus-a-simple-butter-lettuce-salad-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-butter-lettuce-plus-a-simple-butter-lettuce-salad-recipe","linkCopy":"butter lettuce","category":null}'>butter lettuce</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arugula-plus-easy-arugula-pesto-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-arugula-plus-easy-arugula-pesto-recipe","linkCopy":"arugula","category":null}'>arugula</a>, thinly sliced <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cut-fennel' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-cut-fennel","linkCopy":"fennel","category":null}'>fennel</a>, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mandarin-orange-storage-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mandarin-orange-storage-guide","linkCopy":"mandarin","category":null}'>mandarin</a> slices, and dried cranberries. Cooks also often add edible carnations to the bases of aspics (savory gelatins) before chilling the dishes. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Garnish ice creams. Candied or plain carnation flowers add visual interest to frozen dairy desserts, such as ice creams and sorbets. Simply sprinkle the petals on top and enjoy. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Make candy carnation petals. Candied flower petals add sweetness and vibrant color to pastries, desserts, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-simple-syrup-for-cocktails' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-simple-syrup-for-cocktails","linkCopy":"syrups","category":null}'>syrups</a>, and jellies. To candy the petals, use a pastry brush to add a whisked <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-egg-yolks-and-egg-whites' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/whats-the-difference-between-egg-yolks-and-egg-whites","linkCopy":"egg white","category":null}'>egg white</a>, then sprinkle the petals with superfine <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-confectioners-sugar' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-confectioners-sugar","linkCopy":"confectioners’ sugar","category":null}'>confectioners’ sugar</a>. Allow them to dry on a sheet of parchment paper. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Mix the petals with other edible flowers. When adorning baked goods or garnishing a plate, mix carnation petals with rose petals and the edible portions of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-borage-from-seed' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-borage-from-seed","linkCopy":"borage","category":null}'>borage</a>, anise, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bachelor-button-flower-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/bachelor-button-flower-guide","linkCopy":"bachelor’s button","category":null}'>bachelor’s button</a>, coriander, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-chicories-learn-how-to-cook-with-chicories-and-simple-chicory-salad-recipe' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-chicories-learn-how-to-cook-with-chicories-and-simple-chicory-salad-recipe","linkCopy":"chicory","category":null}'>chicory</a>, honeysuckle, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-marigolds-edible' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-marigolds-edible","linkCopy":"marigolds","category":null}'>marigolds</a>, nasturtiums, snapdragons, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-dandelions-edible-raw' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/are-dandelions-edible-raw","linkCopy":"dandelions","category":null}'>dandelions</a>, lilacs, hibiscus, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-pansies-in-your-flower-garden' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-pansies-in-your-flower-garden","linkCopy":"pansies","category":null}'>pansies</a>, and violets. </li></ol>

4 Culinary Uses for Carnation Petals

Certain outdoor activities carry an elevated risk of serious injury. Wilderness scenarios require extensive survival gear, including but not limited to food, water, maps, protective clothing, and first aid, along with mental and physical fortitude. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for hard skills and expertise.

Before Embarking on a Wilderness Expedition

Prepare for any outdoor journey by grabbing a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and committing Jessie Krebs’s wilderness survival course to memory. As a former United States Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape instructor, Jessie can teach you everything you need to know about packing for a trip (neon is the new black), purifying water, foraging (crickets: the other white meat), starting a fire, and signaling for help (forget SOS).

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Carnation petals add a pleasant sweetness to a wide variety of dishes. They have a sweet flavor that is mildly peppery and tangy. Learn more about selecting and preparing edible carnations.

Carnation petals add a pleasant sweetness to a wide variety of dishes. They have a sweet flavor that is mildly peppery and tangy. Learn more about selecting and preparing edible carnations. 


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Are Carnations Edible? How to Prepare Carnation Petals