Cornflowers: What It Is and How to Use It
Cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), also called bachelor's buttons, are the vivid blue wildflowers you may have spotted floating in fancy tea blends or gracing the top of a dessert. The dried petals are edible and have been treasured for centuries, mostly for their stunning natural color. You'll find dried cornflower petals in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.
Available in Bulk
We carry cornflower petals in our bulk herb section so you can grab exactly the amount you want, from a spoonful to a full bag. Scoop what you need into your own bag or container, and our staff can help you find them in the bins or suggest tea blends and culinary ideas to try.
What We Carry
Look for cornflowers as whole, dried petals in our bulk section — bright blue flower heads, dried and ready to use. The petals keep their vivid color well when dried, which is exactly why tea blenders and cooks love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cornflower petals edible?
Yes — cornflower petals are edible raw or dried and have been used as a culinary ingredient across Europe for centuries. They're most often used as a colorful garnish on salads, desserts, and drinks, and they can be frozen into ice cubes for cocktails and summer beverages.
What do cornflowers taste like?
Cornflower petals have a very mild, faintly sweet, and lightly floral flavor — they're chosen far more for their looks than their taste. Their gentle flavor means they won't overpower a tea blend or dish, they simply add a pop of blue.
Why are cornflowers in tea blends?
Mostly for color. A pinch of blue petals brightens up a tea blend and makes it look special. According to Wikipedia, dried blue cornflower petals are sometimes one of the ingredients in Lady Grey tea, where they add a touch of color alongside the bergamot flavor.
What else can I do with cornflower petals?
Beyond tea and food garnishes, cornflower petals are popular in potpourri and homemade bath soaks, where their color and light floral scent shine. Crafters also use them for natural blue coloring in soaps, and bakers scatter them over frosted cakes and cupcakes for an edible decoration.
Visit Us
You'll find dried cornflower petals in the bulk herb section at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond — open Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM. Our staff are happy to help you find them or talk through your options.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.