Mallow flowers, benefits and use



The mallow flowers are among the most common flowers that can be picked and are very easy to recognize thanks to their beautiful pink color with central purple veins and the protruding pistil; the 5 petals have the shape of a heart and create a well-open corolla about 2 centimeters in diameter.

The mallow plant is commonly found during the year from spring to autumn and therefore it is harvested just at the moment of flowering.

It has the characteristic of changing shape depending on where it grows : it can be found very low, almost creeping, or developed in height almost like a shrub; also the dimensions change depending on whether it is in optimal conditions or not.

However, the flowers remain clearly identifiable and their shape does not change; only its typical color, called mauve color, can vary and tend more to pink or violet . Once harvested they can be used fresh or dried .

Fresh mallow flowers

There are many edible (that is, edible) flowers that are mostly unknown, but which were once present in traditional cooking; fresh mallow flowers can be considered as any other food for the kitchen .

The flowers, and in particular the mallow flowers, contain typical pigments that often have strong antioxidant properties . The consumption of the flowers in feeding therefore allows to absorb active principles and nutrients that usually do not eat or that we find at most on the peel of the fruits, another part of the food that is more and more often eliminated.

In addition to these substances, the flowers contain pollen and nectar which, in addition to being very pleasant to taste, are beneficial for the body being simple sugars and specific nutritional substances.

Thanks to the anthocyanins with anti-aging and antioxidant properties, fresh mallow flowers can thus be included in the preparation of many dishes.

Use of fresh mallow flowers

In the kitchen fresh mallow flowers can be added to large mixed salads of raw vegetables. A classic summer salad could be made up of lettuce, radicchio, carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, a few mallow flowers, borage and calendula, and finally chopped hazelnut, almond or cashew seeds : a big salad that provides many nutrients in a truly complete way our well-being.

In addition, the mallow flowers can be used as an ingredient in pasta or sauteed spaghetti or in hot risottos: just add them at the end of cooking to the sauce .

A simple recipe is to fry abundantly onions by placing several fresh or pickled marigold flower buds and a handful of mallow flowers. Separately, we cook the spaghetti and skip everything, adding aromatic herbs to taste. A quick, easy and amazing dish for guests who do not know the cuisine with edible flowers.

In addition to mallow, which flowers to use in the kitchen?

Dried mallow flowers, benefits and uses

The mallow flowers, after being collected, can be dried in a place that must be dark and well ventilated, to prevent them from losing their beneficial properties during drying.

Once dried, the mallow flowers can be kept for a year, in a jar protected from light . Usually dried mallow flowers are used to prepare herbal teas and are also combined with mallow leaves .

Here is the common preparation of the mallow infusion:

> 5 grams of flowers and leaves of mallow

Leave flowers and mallow leaves at least 8 minutes immersed in boiling water; add malva infusion to taste.

This herbal tea is particularly useful for many stomach problems or sore throats ; in fact, the mallow has the ability to soften, soothe and burn the mucous membranes. The mallow contains mucilages, substances capable of creating a protective film on the tissues, on the walls and mucous membranes with which they come into contact and this allows protection from external attacks and the healing of possible excoriations, lesions or inflammation of the superficial cells.

This infusion is also indicated in case of intimate problems : vaginal washes with mallow are very effective against irritation because they help the mucous membrane and skin to heal.

In the case of small ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation and excoriation of the throat caused by cough and sore throat it is possible to prepare a macerated with flowers and leaves of mallow to be left immersed in water at room temperature all night.

In the morning the mucilage will have been extracted and the macerate can be drunk for an emollient and protective purpose of the inflamed mucous membranes .

Other uses of mallow flowers

Mallow flowers are also used as a garnish in haute cuisine dishes or also in craft and decoupage creations or in artistic works, precisely because of their beauty and their particular color.

Sometimes they are even used to dye fabrics in a natural way or to extract colors for those who paint. In some countries, mallow flowers are an ingredient in elixirs and drinking syrups diluted in water with a pleasant taste and useful for well-being.

Mallow against heartburn

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