Carnations (2024)

Grower

Description/Taste

Carnations are small to medium flowers, averaging 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter, and have a round, layered, and slightly ruffled appearance. The blooms are comprised of broad, flat, and oblong petals with serrated, frilled edges. Carnations can be found in an assortment of colors, from crimson, white, pink, lavender, to purple picotee with brilliant violet edges, and the petals have a soft, velvety, and delicate texture. Depending on the variety, the flowers may also emit a faint, clove-like aroma or bear no fragrance. Carnations have a tender, subtly crisp consistency with a mild, sweet, and peppery flavor.

Seasons/Availability

Carnations are available year-round.

Current Facts

Carnations, botanically classified as Dianthus caryophyllus, are familiar flowers with ancient origins, belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. The ruffled blooms are considered one of the most commonly cultivated flowers, valued for their hardiness and year-round availability, and have been used for centuries for ornamental purposes. In the modern-day, there are over 300 different cultivars of Carnations that have been developed to showcase brilliant colors, textures, and shapes, and some varieties have also been organically grown for culinary use. Chefs use Carnations to add texture, color, and subtle flavors to dishes, and the blooms are often viewed as a symbol of artistic timelessness, tradition, and elegance. Carnations can be incorporated whole as an elevated garnish, or the petals can be removed and sprinkled as an edible accent over sweet and savory preparations.

Nutritional Value

Carnations have been traditionally used by European herbalists in tea to calm anxiety, stress, and nausea. The petals are also believed to contain anti-inflammatory properties to balance hormones and reduce inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Carnations have been infused into treatments to cleanse the digestive tract from parasites and are processed into an essential oil as a topical treatment for rashes, acne, and other skin irritations.

Applications

Carnations have a mild, peppery flavor well suited for a wide variety of fresh and cooked preparations. The petals are the primary part of the flower eaten, as the stamen, pollen, and sepal often impart a bitter taste. Once the petals are separated, washed, and dried, they can be sprinkled raw over salads, soups, rice, and pasta dishes, or they can be used as an edible garnish over any dish. Carnation petals can also be candied or crystallized, coated in egg whites and sugar to create a sweet and crisp decoration. The candied petals can be used to elevate cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes, crème brulee, and pies. In addition to candying, the petals can be infused into a simple syrup and added to co*cktails, lemonade, sparkling beverages, and desserts such as a sundae. Carnations can also be lightly cooked into savory dishes to showcase the flower’s peppery flavor. The petals are often mixed into sauces and butter, poured over roasted meats, eggs, and vegetables, or they can be lightly sauteed and mixed into grain bowls. Carnations can also be pickled with spices and vinegar to create a tangy mixture. Carnations pair well with cucumber, spinach, citrus, spices such as cinnamon, coriander, mint, and cloves, brown sugar, roasted meats, including poultry, turkey, and fish, and hard and creamy cheeses. The flowers should be used immediately for the best quality and flavor but will keep 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator.

Ethnic/Cultural Info

Carnations are the official flower of Mother’s Day in the United States. Mother’s Day was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson and was spearheaded by Anna Jarvis, an editor in Philadelphia. Jarvis created the holiday in honor of her mother, who had passed away, and wanted to commemorate all mothers, both living and deceased. In 1908, 3 years after her mother’s death, Jarvis brought 500 white Carnations to her mother’s home church and gave a flower to each mother in the service. Carnations, according to Jarvis, were her mother’s favorite flower. The church annually continued the Carnation tradition and eventually labeled it as their Mother’s Day service. Over the years, word spread, and many other churches began practicing the same tradition, encouraging Jarvis to lobby for the holiday to become a nationwide event. Mother’s Day was officially recognized in 1914, and Carnations became the official flower in the mid-1940s. Even though Jarvis originally handed out white Carnations as a symbol of purity, white Carnations became associated with lost mothers and were placed at gravesites. Red Carnations were instead selected for living mothers, and the vibrant, crimson blooms were meant to symbolize love, life, and passion.

Geography/History

Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers and are believed to be native to the Mediterranean region. The blooms have been cultivated since ancient times, and pale orange and pink Carnations were said to have been utilized by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Over time, Carnations were spread around the world with migrating peoples and have become established as a favored commercially cultivated flower. Today Carnations are widely found through supermarkets, farmer’s markets, specialty grocers worldwide. Carnations are also frequently grown in home gardens as a multi-purpose cultivar. It is important to note that edible Carnations are produced under strict standards and are grown differently from common Carnations sold as ornamental flowers. Care and research should be taken to ensure Carnations used for culinary purposes are purchased through reputable vendors.

Featured Vendors

Industry partners who provided assistance in producing this article

Fresh Origins

The largest grower and supplier of over 500 microgreens,edible flowers & specialty items in the USA.

Learn More...

Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.

theother 42...