How to make edible flower ice cubes

Picture the scene. It's a warm, summer's day. You decide to take a break from whatever you are doing and sit in a shaded spot in the garden with a refreshing drink.

But, this is no ordinary drink. As you add an ice cube, you are greeted by the charming sight of an edible flower from your garden, perfectly preserved in the ice. Gradually, it melts into the drink, bringing a little of the sweet flower flavour with it.

Edible flower ice cubes are a fun way to get even more enjoyment from your garden. You need very little equipment and just enough time for the ice to freeze before serving.

What flowers to use

The most important part of making edible flower ice cubes is being confident the plant you use is safe to eat.

These are some flowers that can be used:

• Borage
• Lavender
• Osteospermum
• Pansies
• Violas

For more advice, read this edible flowers guide. You could also use herbs, like rosemary or mint.

Use your fingers, or scissors / secateurs, to gently take off a few flower heads. You don't want any of the stem of the plant for this.

Very gently wash them under the tap and pat dry with kitchen roll.

Step 2: Part fill ice cube trays with water

Fill each compartment of your ice cube tray around half full. This will leave space for the flowers.

You can use any shape ice cube tray you have available. Ones with quite large ice blocks can look particularly effective.

Step 3: Place your flowers in the ice cube trays

Add one or two flower heads per ice cube, depending how large the flower heads are.

Step 4: Place your ice cube tray in the freezer

Carefully store your ice cube tray in the freezer, trying to make sure it is sitting flat.

Step 5: Remove your ice cubes and serve

Once your ice cubes have frozen, they are ready to use! Depending on the size of the ice cubes, pop one or two in your drink and enjoy the sight and flavour.

Because these are edible flowers, you can choose to eat the flower once it is free from the ice cube.