Common Name: Snapdragon
Scientific Name: Antirrhinum majus
Color: Soft pastels to vivid tones—ivory, blush, butter yellow, coral, magenta, and deep crimson; petals velvety and slightly translucent, often with contrasting throats
Blooming Time: Late spring through early autumn
Flavour Profile
Mild and vegetal, with a faint bitterness reminiscent of chicory or endive. The flavour is subtle and secondary to texture, offering a clean, green note rather than sweetness.
Culinary Uses
Preparations:
Used primarily fresh as an edible garnish; whole blooms and separated petals may be scattered over salads, savory tarts, chilled soups, buttered vegetables, and composed plates where color and form matter more than aroma. They may also be gently pressed into doughs or baked into cookies and biscuits, where they retain structure and visual contrast rather than contributing strong flavour.
Pairings:
Pairs well with savory and neutral elements: soft cheeses, eggs, cucumber, citrus vinaigrettes, fresh herbs, cream-based preparations, and mild grains.
Kitchen Note:
Snapdragon is best used fresh and in small quantities. Separate petals gently and use shortly after harvest to preserve texture and color; heat diminishes both flavour and structure.
Historical & Cultural Notes
Native to the Mediterranean region, snapdragons have been cultivated for centuries for both their ornamental and practical qualities. Beyond their expressive, face-like blossoms, historical sources from Eastern Europe and Russia record the use of Antirrhinum majus seed oil as a household fat, particularly in regions where olive oil and butter were scarce. In the kitchen, the flower is valued primarily for structure and colour, contributing visual interest rather than dominant taste.
Sensory Profile
Sight: Upright flower spikes with softly folded petals resembling small open mouths.
Touch: Tender, velvety petals with a delicate but resilient structure.
Smell: Very faint; fresh and green, without pronounced floral notes.
Taste: Neutral to mildly bitter, clean and vegetal.
Botanical Note
Only Antirrhinum majus is used as an edible flower. Other species within the genus are primarily ornamental and less commonly referenced in culinary contexts.
Fun Fact
When gently pressed at the sides, snapdragon flowers “open” and “close” like tiny mouths—an interaction that has fascinated gardeners and children for centuries.
