60+ Nasturtium Recipes: Food, Drinks, Remedies & More

Nasturtiums are not only a vibrant addition to your garden but also a versatile ingredient in your kitchen, offering an array of culinary and health benefits. With their peppery taste and colorful petals, nasturtiums can transform a simple dish into a work of art and a healthful powerhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a botanist at heart, the following guide offers over 60 creative ways to incorporate nasturtiums into your meals, drinks, and wellness routines. Dive into the world of nasturtium recipes and discover the many facets of this remarkable plant.

The Edible Jewel: Introduction to Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are commonly grown for their vivid flowers and lush foliage, not only bringing beauty to gardens but also delivering a spectrum of benefits when used in various recipes. Every part of the nasturtium plant is edible, from the vibrant flowers to the green leaves and seeds. Packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential minerals, nasturtiums are more than just a pretty face.

Culinary Uses: Foods and Salads

1. Nasturtium Salad

A simple yet eye-catching nasturtium salad involves mixing nasturtium leaves and flowers with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Add goat cheese and toasted walnuts for extra richness.

2. Herbed Nasturtium Pasta

Toss spaghetti with a mix of nasturtium flowers, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs such as basil and parsley for a zesty twist.

3. Stuffed Nasturtium Leaves

Use large nasturtium leaves as wraps, filling them with a mixture of quinoa, feta, sundried tomatoes, and olives.

4. Nasturtium Pesto

Blend nasturtium leaves with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a peppery pesto—perfect for sandwiches and pasta.

5. Nasturtium Bruschetta

Top slices of crusty baguette with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and nasturtium petals for a colorful appetizer.

Beyond the Plate: Drinks and Beverages

6. Nasturtium-Infused Water

Infuse your water with nasturtium flowers and mint leaves for a refreshing drink.

7. Peppery Nasturtium Martini

Shake up a martini with gin, vermouth, and a dash of nasturtium leaf juice. Garnish with a nasturtium petal for added flair.

8. Nasturtium Iced Tea

Steep nasturtium leaves and flowers along with black tea for a unique iced tea variant with a spicy undertone.

9. Floral Lemonade

Create a floral lemonade by infusing fresh lemonade with nasturtium flowers and a touch of honey.

Nature’s Apothecary: Herbal Remedies

10. Nasturtium Cold Remedy

Make a simple tincture by soaking nasturtium leaves and flowers in vodka for two weeks. This can be used as an antiseptic or taken during cold and flu season for immune support.

11. Skin-Brightening Nasturtium Salve

Create a salve by mixing dried nasturtium flowers with beeswax and coconut oil. This can help promote skin health due to the plant’s anti-inflammatory properties.

12. Nasturtium Tea for Respiratory Health

Brew tea from nasturtium leaves to help clear congestion and boost respiratory health.

Preserving Nasturtiums: Pickles and More

13. Nasturtium Capers

Pickle nasturtium seed pods with vinegar, salt, and peppercorns for a homemade caper substitute that adds a spicy kick to any dish.

14. Nasturtium Vinegar

Infuse white wine vinegar with nasturtium flowers for a condiment with a hint of spice and floral aroma.

15. Herbal Nasturtium Oil

Submerge fresh nasturtium leaves and flowers in olive oil for an infusion that can be used for cooking or as a salad dressing.

Treats and Desserts: Taste the Unusual

16. Nasturtium Sorbet

Blend nasturtium flowers with sugar and lemon juice, then freeze for a tangy sorbet.

17. Floral Shortbread Cookies

Incorporate finely chopped nasturtium petals into shortbread cookie dough for a surprising floral finish.

18. Nasturtium Honey Drizzle

Infuse wildflower honey with nasturtium petals for a gourmet drizzle over desserts or cheese boards.

Innovative Uses: Beyond the Kitchen

19. Dried Nasturtium Wreath

Craft a decorative wreath with dried nasturtium flowers and vines, adding seasonal charm to your home.

20. Nasturtium Potpourri

Mix dried nasturtium petals with lavender and rose petals for a sweet-smelling potpourri.

21. Floral Nasturtium Bath Soak

Add dried nasturtium petals to bath salts for a soothing soak that promotes skin health.

Nasturtiums in Global Cuisine: Worldly Inspirations

22. Thai Nasturtium Salad

Combine nasturtium leaves with spicy Thai peppers, lime juice, peanuts, and cilantro for a taste of Thailand.

23. French Nasturtium Cheese

Blend nasturtium petals into goat cheese for a sophisticated, French-inspired spread.

24. Latin Nasturtium Tacos

Top corn tortillas with black beans, avocado, nasturtium leaves, and crumbled queso fresco for a Latin twist.

Conclusion: Grow, Gather, and Indulge

Nasturtiums are a testament to the versatility and sustainability of garden-based ingredients. As you can see, they are not only a beautiful addition to your flowerbed but also a flavorful and healthful component of your diet. Whether used in salads, teas, or even homemade remedies, nasturtiums offer a delightful mixture of culinary elegance and natural medicine.

By growing your own or sourcing them from a reputable organic gardener, you can ensure that you have access to nasturtiums that are free from pesticides and full of flavor. Experiment with the recipes above and feel free to innovate, using the peppery punch and vivid colors of nasturtiums to enliven every meal and moment. Enjoy the journey through these 60+ nasturtium recipes and find the ones that speak most to your palate, your lifestyle, and your health goals.

Happy gastronomy!