Egyptian starflowers: heavenly beauties on Earth; versatile

Egyptian Starflowers: Heavenly Beauties on Earth

“A flower is the one extra piece of love that makes the dish complete.” Chef Emma Bengtsson of Aquavit

From vibrant red to peachy pink to dark pink with brilliant white in their centers, colors of Egyptian starflowers are simply gorgeous—and even the names of its varieties are attention grabbing: apple blossom . . . cream puff . . . red velvet . . . strawberry cheesecake . . .

Our talented chefs use Egyptian starflowers in salads, fish dishes, and more. They’re ideal for fruit dishes, desserts, cocktails—wherever your creativity takes you. They give off a grassy-honey-flavored heat with a mild flavor that makes them quite versatile. They can go into just about any dish without compromising the flavor, also providing a satisfying texture while being soft and delicate.

Symbolism of Egyptian Starflowers

These stunning blooms are scientifically known as pentas lanceolata with the first word being Greek for “five,” which represents each flower’s five petals. Debuting in 1844 in Botanical Magazine, it quickly became well known and appreciated because of how well the flower attracts butterflies, honeybees, and hummingbirds.

Egyptian starflowers have been used symbolically to represent good luck and bounty as well as harmony and chaos: a well balanced yin and yang. Others see the five bloom tips as representing air, Earth, fire, spirit, and water or the five human senses.

Different colors of Egyptian starflowers can be used to represent different emotions, too, according to gardening site Growing Vale: