Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus · Edible flower

40 pairings

The snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) is a Mediterranean garden perennial grown for its tall spikes of brightly coloured, two-lipped tubular flowers that "snap" open and shut when pinched at the sides — hence the name. The blooms are edible, ranging from mild and faintly grassy to distinctly bitter, and are used mainly by chefs as a vivid garnish and plate decoration rather than as a flavour ingredient.

Picking a good onedrag

Food-grade spike, lower florets just openBrown and papery, florets dropping

Shop freshThe garnish job: wash gently, dry, keep them bagged in the fridge. A few blooms at a time for colour, and pinch out the bulging lower lip and base - the bitter parts.Everyday best

Florets up the spikeMost of the spike open, colour even, few buds left

The snapStill springs open, closes a beat slower than it should

Stem and calyxStem firm, calyx green, the lowest cups loosening

Smell at the bloomAlmost nothing - clean, green and neutral

What to look for, from food-grade spike, lower florets just open to brown and papery, florets dropping.

Preparing