Floral Flavors in Full Bloom
Although it’s winter, floral flavors are in full bloom. More floral flavored cocktails, desserts, and even snacks are springing up more than ever before as health-conscious consumers are taking a more holistic approach to their consumption habits and are looking for new ways to add naturally-derived flavors in their food and drink choices. We take a look at three popular floral flavors that consumers don’t need to wait until spring to enjoy.
Elderflower
Elderflower is a flavor that has been gaining a lot of traction lately as it is becoming a popular flavor in cocktails. Elderflowers are clusters of flat-topped, honey-scented flowers found on elderberry bushes, which are found throughout Europe and flourish in the United Kingdom. The syrup derived from the flowers is well-liked for being mild, sweet, and subtly floral and is often made in cordials and liqueurs. Reminiscent of a spring day, elderflower adds a fresh, pleasing fragrance to mixed drinks, sparkling wines, and non-alcoholic drinks like natural sodas and flavored water.
Rose
Aromatic and delicate, rose has been a popular flavor in sweets and drinks for hundreds of years. Often found in the form of rosewater, many Middle Eastern desserts call for this floral additive that adds a naturally sweet, floral, and subtly fruity flavor and fragrance. Rose hips are also utilized as a flavor in marmalades, jellies, and jams and because they are related to the apple family have a similar taste. Romantic, fragrant, and sweet rose has been popping up in all sorts of products and pairs well with flavors like rhubarb, lychee, and raspberry.
Orange Blossom
Orange blossoms are the flowers of the sweet orange tree, which is one of the most widely grown fruit trees in the world. The most common use of orange blossom is in the creation of orange blossom water. Similar to rose water, orange blossom water is a naturally sweet and fragrant extract that is a popular ingredient in craft cocktails, ice cream, and pastries.