Magnolia Blossom and Rhubarb Jam

Magnolia flowers aren't just beautiful, they're also edible and can bring a lovely flavour to your dishes. This variety (magnolia x soulangeana) has a gingery/cardamom taste, which can be eaten raw, pickled, added to desserts, or even teas. The darker pink ones are more bitter in flavour, the white ones are more citrus.

Magnolia flowers contain antioxidants, they can aid digestion and also can help with anxiety.

While there are no known toxic varieties of Magnolia, be aware that not all the species are ‘classed’ as edible. This just means there is a lack of data and records which confirm the edibility of all species, so always try a small amount before diving in. Here's a list of the ones which are definitely edible, courtesy of @eatweedsuk:

• Magnolia coco

• Magnolia grandiflora

• Magnolia denudata

• Magnolia hypoleuca

• Magnolia kobus

• Magnolia liliflora

• Magnolia mexicana

• Magnolia pterocarpa

• Magnolia soulangeana

Here is a wonderfully delicious recipe for Magnolia petal and rhubarb jam!

Magnolia petal and rhubarb jam:

Ingredients:

270 g chopped rhubarb (this is just what I had!)

270 g granulated sugar (equal to the rhubarb)

1 lemon (juiced and zested)

Approx 3 cups Magnolia petals (freshly picked and cleaned)

1 sachet arrow root powder

Instructions:

•Prepare the rhubarb by washing and chopping it into small pieces. Discard any leaves, as they are toxic.

•In a large saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, lemon juice. Stir together.

•Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15/20 minutes, or until the rhubarb breaks down and the mixture thickens.

•While the jam is simmering, prepare the magnolia petals. Make sure they are clean and free of any debris. You can pluck the petals off the magnolia flowers and rinse them gently under cold water. Chop into slices.

•Once the jam has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool slightly.

•Gently stir in the magnolia petals. The heat from the jam will help release their delicate flavor.

•Transfer the jam to sterilized jars, leaving a bit of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator.

Enjoy experimenting with these beautiful blooms in your culinary creations!