All About Daylilies
When you hear the word ‘daylily’, what comes to your mind? The majority of people from various cultures instantly associate it with its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooming flowers that are a gardening favorite. However, daylilies, beyond their aesthetic appeal and beauty, also serve as a remarkable source of nutrition that often gets overlooked. This unique blend of visual appeal and nutritional value grants daylilies an exceptional position in the universe of edibles. Especially, Hemerocallis fulva, an Asian variety of daylily, is considered particularly beneficial from a health perspective.
Nutritional Profile of Daylilies
Daylilies provide a good source of valuable nutrients. They are loaded with a high concentration of vitamins A and C, and also contain beta-carotene. These vitamins function as antioxidants, thus helping in preventing the body from oxidative damage induced by free radicals, and fortifying the immune system. Furthermore, daylilies harbor essential minerals like calcium and potassium which are vital for the efficient functioning of various bodily processes.
Health Benefits Associated with Daylilies
By incorporating daylilies into your diet, you can benefit from its multitude of health-promoting properties. Not only do they help improve eye health due to their vitamin A and beta-carotene content, but the antioxidants present also enhance skin health and slow down the aging process. The vitamin C content aids in the production of collagen, a protein required for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Additional health benefits include improving bone health due to their calcium content and promoting heart health thanks to potassium. This mighty mineral helps to reduce high blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. Moreover, daylilies are known to have a diuretic effect, which helps in flushing out toxins from the body.
Culinary Uses of Daylilies
Daylilies can be a versatile addition to many dishes in your kitchen. They can be consumed raw in salads, stir-fried, steamed, or even used in soups for a unique flavor. Their mild taste resembles slightly to that of an asparagus or zucchini, depending upon how they are cooked. A famous Chinese dish that uses daylilies is Hot and Sour Soup.
When adding a daylily to your meals, make sure that it is an edible variety and has been grown without the use of harmful chemicals. Always remember, careful and informed consumption of this plant will help you derive the utmost benefits from this underrated edible flower.
What Can You Cook With Daylilies?
Stuffed Daylilies with Cheese and Herbs
Indulge in delicate Stuffed Daylilies with Cheese and Herbs, a flavorful blend of cream cheese, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, all nestled in edible flower petals.
Daylily Soup with Ginger and Tofu
Infuse your mealtime with a delicate floral touch with this Daylily Soup recipe. Fresh daylilies mingle with zingy ginger and smooth tofu for a unique flavor experience.
Pickled Daylilies
Indulge in the delightful crunch and tangy flavor of Pickled Daylilies. These vibrant blooms transform into a refreshing, unique condiment or salad addition.
Poached Glazed Daylilies
Savor summer’s bloom with this delightful dish – Poached Daylilies. Steeped delicately in a tangy lemon-honey glaze, it offers a sweet, light treat!
Crispy Daylilies Tempura
Savor the ephemeral flavor of spring with this Crispy Daylilies Tempura. A light, airy batter envelopes fresh, vibrant daylilies, fried to perfection.
More Daylily Recipes Coming Soon
- Daylily Bud Stir Fry
- Daylily Petal Salad
- Sautéed Daylilies with Garlic and Sesame
- Daylily Fritters
- Daylily Tart with Ricotta and Rosemary
