Phytochemical profile and food applications of edible flowers: A comprehensive treatise

The demand for healthy, viable, and safer products are an ever-increasing trend in the global market. The usage of flowers as food, traditional cuisine, or alternative medicine is very common in various regions of the world because of their significant nutritional profile and therapeutic potential as demonstrated by various studies. In this context, the marketing segment of these edible flowers in the form of food is increasing owing to their beneficial impact on human health. The presence of the various bioactive compounds in edible flowers has attracted major industries like food and pharmaceutical companies for the development of functional foods and medicine. There is a dire need to explore the concealed aspects of edible flowers on a commercial level to get economic and health benefits. The present review deals with the availability of various edible flowers like heartsease, common daisy, marigold, evening primrose, boraginaceae, and so forth and elucidate their phytochemical screening, nutritional, bioactive, medicinal, and chemical features along with their consumptional behavior. Practical applications The increased research on the bioactive and nutritive value of edible flowers has proved that they can be consumed as a whole or as processed products. Since edible flowers have antioxidants, fiber, and even some proteins, they can be used in several medicines and therapeutic meal plans. The perfect combination of color and aroma makes edible flowers a specifically desired addition to a variety of dishes, beverages, syrups, and herb mixtures. Edible flowers have great anti-obesity potential that can be used in the development of different weight loss supplements and herbal remedies. Different types of nutraceuticals and functional foods can be developed by using the bioactive potential of edible flowers to meet the nutritional needs of individuals. This can be an emerging business as far as food processing and marketing is concerned.