Centaurea Cyanus
Blue Cornflower Buds & Petals / Centaurea Cyanus / Dried Cornflower / Organic Herb / Dried Flowers / Herbal Tea
Origin: Bulgaria
Botanical Name: Centaurea Cyanus
Other Names: Bluebottle, Bluebow, Hurtsickle, Blue Cap, (French) Bluet.
Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower or bachelor's button, is an annual flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Europe. Centaurea cyanus is an annual plant growing to 40–90 cm tall, with grey-green branched stems. The leaves are lanceolate and 1–4 cm long. The flowers are most commonly an intense blue colour and arranged in flowerheads (capitula) of 1.5–3 cm diameter, with a ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets. The cornflower is also often seen as an inspiration for the German Romantic symbol of the Blue Flower.
The flowers of Centaurea cyanus can be eaten raw, dried or cooked. Dried petals are used in foods, including in spices. Their main purpose is to add colour to food. There are cheeses or oils that contain raw petals. Petals can also be added to salads, drinks, or desserts for garnishing purposes in raw or dried form.
Dried petals are also used in teas and other beverages. Blue cornflower petals are sometimes one of the ingredients in Lady Grey tea.
Using: To make cornflower tea, it will be enough to put 1 teaspoon of dried cornflower in a glass of boiled hot water and wait 5-10 minutes.
Traditional Use
Blue cornflower is a beautiful meadow flower with a long history in European folk herbalism. It is traditionally used:
- To support appetite and digestion
- To support the kidneys and urinary system
- As a gentle tea for strength and recovery
- Cooled, as a refreshing eye compress for tired eyes, and as a mouth rinse
- To add striking blue colour to tea blends
Harvest & Character
Harvested June to August at full bloom in dry, sunny weather. The finest quality contains mostly the outer blue petals. Vivid blue flowers with a mild, slightly bitter taste.
Disclaimer: These statements and products have not been evaluated by the FDA. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult you doctor. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet or using any new product.
