Springtime brings a glorious explosion of color, and naturally we are drawn to these colors. And no wonder, since these pigments are loaded with antioxidants. It’s not only just fruits and veggies that carry these antioxidants. Plants, flowers (and some animals) naturally produce these colorful antioxidants to protect themselves from radiation. When we eat these same antioxidants, they help to protect us in the same way. For example, flamingos use a pink coloration (astaxanthin) to protect themselves from the sun. When we ingest this same antioxidant in sufficient quantities, it can actually also provide us a protective natural “sunscreen” to some degree as well. There are many others: lycopene (red), anthocyanins (red, purple), carotenoids (orange, yellow), lutein, resveratrol, beta carotene (orange), cryptoxanthin, among others.
Springtime is the time to collect many of these precious pigments to use now and later. For example, we have a crimson peony plant that is in full bloom right now. This is a great opportunity to collect the petals, which are a great source of anthocyanins and lycopene. My process is this: wait until early midday to clip the flowers. This timing is important because during this time of day, at this point, the maximum amount of its antioxidant pigments is expressed in the plant. Clip the flowers, and carefully pull off the petals. Then, immediately dehydrate to preserve the nutrients and antioxidants within. These petals can be used throughout the year in recipes, teas, or directly on salads and the like. For our peony petals, we have made peony ice cream and peony jello. Other flower petals can be used, such as marigolds and roses for example.
Edible Peony Flowers Pictured
Interestingly, blue pigment is rarely found organically in nature. But when it does occur, it is something special indeed. Blue-green algae, blueberries, mushrooms, even robin’s eggs all contain a very special blue pigment. The blue pigment of a robin’s egg is biliverdin, the same turquoise-hued compound found in our bile and bruises, and an important antioxidant. Perhaps the pigment gives some protection from solar radiation? There has actually been a scientific study by Queens University looking into the matter – one conclusion is that the male will be more diligent when caring for the young if the eggs are a brighter shade of blue.
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