Even the names of Egyptian starflower varieties sound wonderful: from apple blossom to cream puff and from red velvet to strawberry cheesecake. Then, add in their grassy-honey flavored heat, satisfying texture, and stunning hues in five-pointed beauty—and you’ve got an in-demand edible flower that adds incredible touches to creative dishes. Here’s how a few of our cherished chefs use them.
Chef Min loves the vibrant colors and shapes of edible flowers and, at Wynn Las Vegas, he appreciates the milder flavor of Egyptian starflowers. That makes them very versatile and useful, he shares, “in just about any dish without compromising the flavor.”
I add Egyptian starflowers, knowing that it will add beauty without interfering with the flavors.
Chef David Middleton also appreciates the beautiful colors that Egyptian starflowers impart to his dishes at Wynn Las Vegas. A popular coriander crusted big eyed tuna fish dish benefits from both coriander blooms and Egyptian starflowers. Other ingredients include yuzu truffle aioli and orange fluid gel.
“People share how they enjoyed the pretty aesthetic,” Chef David says. “Because coriander bloom looks like baby’s breath, this combination makes the flowers on top look like a beautiful bouquet.”
At Bagatelle Miami, Chef Jimmy may use four or five kinds of edible flowers on a dish, knowing that guests will interact with their eyes first. When using them, he’s celebrating a moment in time when the flowers are at their peak of beauty.
In his Salade Croquante Aux Céréales Avec Vinaigre de Framboise, he creates a crunchy salad using seasonal grains and raspberry vinegar. Main ingredients include organic spelt, avocado, and raspberry seasoned with herbs and beautified with edible flowers, including Egyptian starflower.
As the vice president of culinary for the Backal Hospital Group, Chef German creates dishes and drinks that please diners’ senses. For example, he uses the lovely Egyptian starflower as a garnish on a mouthwatering dish that includes A5 Wagyu beef, porcini mushrooms, and truffles.
In The Jazz Club at Aman, he’s created luxurious high end cocktails with the Egyptian starflower. “This beautiful flower,” he says, “simply goes well with everything.”
Explore the varieties of Egyptian starflowers in your own dishes:
Apple Blossom Egyptian Starflowers
Cream Puff Egyptian Starflowers
Lilac Egyptian Starflowers
Mixed Egyptian Starflowers
Red Velvet Egyptian Starflowers
Strawberry Cheesecake Egyptian Starflowers