Pansies – All You Need to Know | Instacart Guide to Fresh Produce

What are pansies?

Where did pansies originate?

Flowers used in food dates back to Roman times and a range of cultures. Using them to decorate food was quite fashionable in the Victorian era and has made a comeback today.

Originally a wildflower seen as a weed, the pansy came into popularity in the early 19th century. Lady Mary Elizabeth Bennet, daughter of the Earl of Tankerville, worked with her gardener to cross-breed and cultivate the pansy. In 1812, the pansy was introduced to the world. The following year, a group of horticulturists cultivated them even more. By 1833, there were more than 400 varieties of pansies, including bi-color, tri-color, hanging versions, and flowers with new, showier faces.

How do pansies grow?

What is the nutritional value of pansies?

When are pansies in season?

How to shop for pansies

Only use edible versions of pansies that are grown specifically for consumption and don’t contain pesticides. Look for at least one of these words on the label indicating the flowers are safe to eat:

Use this information to share with your Instacart partner. Then, simply add the pansies to your cart and add your preferences in the comments section.

How to store pansies

How to tell if pansies are bad

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for pansies via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for pansies.

How to decorate with pansies

What can I substitute for pansies?

There’s a wide range of edible flowers you can find in your garden or a specialty market. Not every flower can be safely eaten., especially if you don’t know if it’s been treated with pesticides. Consult with a medical or plant expert before eating any flower you’ve picked yourself. Here are some flowers you can use if pansies are unavailable or out of season:

• Begonia
• Carnation
• Dahlia
• Dianthus
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Marigold
• Orchid
• Mum
• Rose

There’s also a range of herb and vegetable blossoms that make a pretty plate. But keep in mind you should avoid using these types of flowers on desserts as they’ll impart a savory flavor that wouldn’t complement the sweet flavor of your dessert.

• Arugula blossom
• Basil blossom
• Chive blossom
• Cilantro blossom
• Mustard flower
• Squash blossom
• Thyme blossom

How to use pansies

Besides using pansies to decorate a sweet treat, you can also use them in savory dishes. Bring color to your menu with edible flowers year-round. Try incorporating them as a garnish to a dish, or add them to a fresh green salad for a hint of minty flavor.

When you’re ready to look for pansies for your next dish, Instacart is here to help. Get same-day pickup or delivery straight to your door. Shop for edible pansies today to enjoy stamen, pistil, and sepals (the tiny leaves under the flower) in your cooking.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 85,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.