Can peonies be eaten? The edible benefits of peonies and the preparation of peony delicacies.

Can peonies be eaten?In the colorful spring garden, peonies stand out with their dignified and luxurious posture. But have you ever thought that this peony, known as 'the color and fragrance of the nation,' is not only suitable for admiration but can also become a healthful delicacy on the dining table? From the "Tang Dynasty Dietotherapy Materia Medica" to the "Zunsheng Babian" of the Ming Dynasty, ancient texts have long recorded the use of peonies in food, allowing us to unveil the mysteries of this wealthy flower.

History and Nutritional Value of Eating Peonies

Millennium of Traditional Food and Medicine Inheritance

Archaeological discoveries confirm that as early as the Han Dynasty, medical professionals began using peony root bark (danpi) for medicinal purposes. By the Tang and Song dynasties, peony petals officially entered the imperial palace's diet, becoming a special ingredient with both ornamental and therapeutic values. Modern research shows that every 100 grams of peony petals contain 45 mg of vitamin C and 2.3 grams of total flavonoids, with antioxidant content 5-8 times higher than that of common vegetables.

Analysis of Five Health Benefits

① Beauty and skincare: Components such as quercetin effectively remove free radicals. ② Blood and energy replenishment: The iron content reaches 8.7 mg/100g. ③ Calming and sleep-inducing: Volatile aromatic substances have a sedative effect. ④ Menstrual regulation: It has a bidirectional regulatory effect on female endocrine. ⑤ Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory: The antibacterial rate of components such as danpi is 92%.

Complete Guide to Making Peony Delicacies

Classic Traditional Methods

1. Sanqing Flower Tea: Pick half-opened flowers at dawn, then clean, shade-dry, and age them to make flower tea that can be preserved for 12 months. When brewing, the water temperature should be kept below 80℃.

2. Peony Flower Porridge: When the rice is 70% cooked, add pickled petals (5g of petals for every 100g of rice) and garnish with wolfberries for color and flavor.

Innovative Modern Cuisine

3. Crispy Fried Fragrance: Wrap the outer petals in egg white and flour, deep-fry at 170℃ for 20 seconds, and serve with honey osmanthus sauce. 4. Peony Cold Infusion: Soak fresh petals and mineral water in a 1:10 ratio in the refrigerator for 6 hours to make a summer special drink. 5. Flower Brew Stew: Simmer dry petals with tremella and peach gum to increase collagen absorption by 40%.

It is important to note that while peonies are beneficial, they should be consumed scientifically. The recommended daily intake is 10-15 grams of fresh petals. Pregnant women and those with allergies should consume with caution. When selecting flowers, make sure they are not treated with pesticides, and the best picking time is in the early morning on a sunny day when the dew has just dissipated.