Cosmos Flowers
Estimated Inventory, 50 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 04/09/26
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Cosmos flowers vary in size and shape, depending on the specific species, but average 7 to 15 centimeters in diameter with a uniform, symmetrical shape. Each bloom is comprised of elongated, slender, oval petals surrounding a center made from tiny disc florets. Cosmos flowers bear 7 to 20 petals, and the petals are thin, pliable, soft, and delicate. The petals’ surface is velvety and smooth, and the flowers showcase white, maroon, pink, and rose-colored hues. The center of the bloom is dark to golden yellow. Cosmos flowers are edible raw and have a crisp, tender, and sometimes chewy consistency. The blooms are said to have a mild, sweet, vegetal, and herbal flavor with subtle peppery nuances reminiscent of carrots, radishes, and nasturtiums.
Cosmos flowers grown by Fresh Origins® are available year-round. Worldwide, Cosmos flowers grown in home gardens have a peak season from summer to fall.
Cosmos flowers, botanically classified as Cosmos caudatus, are a broad category of several colorful, flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. The genus Cosmos encompasses 25 to 48 species, and the plants are traditionally utilized in gardens as an ornamental addition. Cosmos plants range in height from 0.3 to 2 meters and produce seasonal blooms that are favored for their symmetry, versatility, beauty, and ease of cultivation. It is important to note that not all Cosmos species are edible. The main edible species include but are not limited to Cosmos caudatus and Cosmos sulphureus. The Cosmos flowers featured in the photograph above were grown by Fresh Origins® in San Diego, California. Fresh Origins® curates Cosmos flowers as an edible and decorative bloom for culinary and mixology purposes. Chefs value the flowers for their ability to add color, a light fragrance, flavor, and overall visual appeal to dishes. Cosmos flowers, grown by Fresh Origins®, serve as a decorative focal point for dishes and drinks, cultivated through traditional farming methods that utilize natural sunlight, a proprietary soil combination, and water. Cosmos flowers are just one of many edible flowers cultivated by Fresh Origins® to enhance the overall visual appeal of food and drinks.
Cosmos flowers have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties, as the flowers are consumed in limited quantities and are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. A few sites note that the blooms may contain small amounts of vitamin C, which can help strengthen the immune system, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium that help the body balance fluid levels and support bone and tooth health. Other sources note the flowers may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Beyond vitamins and minerals, Cosmos flowers are occasionally used among cultures worldwide as a natural dye for fabric and other organic materials.
Cosmos flowers have a mild, sweet, and subtly earthy, peppery taste suited for fresh preparations. The flowers can be used whole, or just the petals can be removed and incorporated into dishes. Cosmos flowers are often added to salads, and their vibrant colors add increased visual appeal and depth. Their mild flavor complements light vinaigrettes and dressings infused with citrus, and the blooms should be added just before serving. Cosmos flowers can also be pressed and rolled into compound butter, which is served with bread, corn, grilled meats, and seafood. Try sprinkling the petals or placing a bloom over toast for enhanced visual appeal. The flowers add elegance to a toast covered in avocado, jams, or whipped cheese. Cosmos flowers are also used to decorate desserts, such as cakes and cookies. The blooms can be placed raw on top of frosted treats or brushed with egg whites and sugar for a candied nature. Individual petals can also be candied and added to desserts. While less common, flowers are sometimes suspended in jellies or added to fresh rice paper rolls for splashes of color. Beyond culinary purposes, Cosmos flowers are often used in cocktails, their petals added to ice cubes, or dried and steeped to make tea. Cosmos flowers pair well with flavorings like vanilla, citrus, and chamomile, as well as soft cheeses such as goat, ricotta, brie, and camembert. Fresh Origins® blooms should be kept in their original clamshell and stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 14 days.
Cosmos flowers were said to have acquired their name from Spanish priests in Mexico who revered the flowers for the petals’ symmetry and orderly nature. The blooms were often grown in mission gardens and were named Cosmos, which comes from the Greek word “kosmos.” In Greek, kosmos was a word to describe “order,” an “orderly arrangement,” and “adornment.” This description later gave Cosmos flowers symbolic meanings in Europe, as the blooms became associated with harmony, peace, balance, and order. The word "kosmos" was also used as an alternative name for the universe, referring to it as a structured and organized system, a title given by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras.
Cosmos flowers are native to the Americas and have origins in regions of Mexico extending south to Brazil. The species has been growing wild since ancient times and has been historically used as both a culinary and medicinal plant. Cosmos plants were introduced from the New World, specifically from areas of Mexico, to Spain in the 16th century, and were later spread throughout Europe. Plants from the Cosmos genus were present in England by the late 18th century, but it was not until after extensive breeding in the early to mid-20th century that the plants became popular for home gardens. Cosmos flowers were also transported from Mexico to the Philippines on ships as a source of food, and later naturalized throughout Asia. Today, Cosmos flowers are grown worldwide in home and commercial gardens. For culinary purposes, only a few species are used. Cosmo flowers grown by Fresh Origins® are curated and grown in San Diego, California. Fresh Origins® is the largest grower and supplier of microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty items in the United States and was established in 1995. The specialty company leverages its ideal location in the mild Southern California climate to produce robust, healthy, and visually appealing flowers. Cosmos flowers are hand-harvested, packed, and shipped at peak maturity to provide chefs and mixologists with a quality garnish. Today, Cosmos flowers, in general, can be found worldwide, but the blooms grown by Fresh Origins® are found through select distribution partners across the United States, including Specialty Produce. Some partners of Fresh Origins® are also present in Canada.
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
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Description/Taste
Cosmos flowers vary in size and shape, depending on the specific species, but average 7 to 15 centimeters in diameter with a uniform, symmetrical shape. Each bloom is comprised of elongated, slender, oval petals surrounding a center made from tiny disc florets. Cosmos flowers bear 7 to 20 petals, and the petals are thin, pliable, soft, and delicate. The petals’ surface is velvety and smooth, and the flowers showcase white, maroon, pink, and rose-colored hues. The center of the bloom is dark to golden yellow. Cosmos flowers are edible raw and have a crisp, tender, and sometimes chewy consistency. The blooms are said to have a mild, sweet, vegetal, and herbal flavor with subtle peppery nuances reminiscent of carrots, radishes, and nasturtiums.
Seasons/Availability
Cosmos flowers grown by Fresh Origins® are available year-round. Worldwide, Cosmos flowers grown in home gardens have a peak season from summer to fall.
Current Facts
Cosmos flowers, botanically classified as Cosmos caudatus, are a broad category of several colorful, flowering plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. The genus Cosmos encompasses 25 to 48 species, and the plants are traditionally utilized in gardens as an ornamental addition. Cosmos plants range in height from 0.3 to 2 meters and produce seasonal blooms that are favored for their symmetry, versatility, beauty, and ease of cultivation. It is important to note that not all Cosmos species are edible. The main edible species include but are not limited to Cosmos caudatus and Cosmos sulphureus. The Cosmos flowers featured in the photograph above were grown by Fresh Origins® in San Diego, California. Fresh Origins® curates Cosmos flowers as an edible and decorative bloom for culinary and mixology purposes. Chefs value the flowers for their ability to add color, a light fragrance, flavor, and overall visual appeal to dishes. Cosmos flowers, grown by Fresh Origins®, serve as a decorative focal point for dishes and drinks, cultivated through traditional farming methods that utilize natural sunlight, a proprietary soil combination, and water. Cosmos flowers are just one of many edible flowers cultivated by Fresh Origins® to enhance the overall visual appeal of food and drinks.
Nutritional Value
Cosmos flowers have not been extensively studied for their nutritional properties, as the flowers are consumed in limited quantities and are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals. A few sites note that the blooms may contain small amounts of vitamin C, which can help strengthen the immune system, as well as minerals like calcium and potassium that help the body balance fluid levels and support bone and tooth health. Other sources note the flowers may have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Beyond vitamins and minerals, Cosmos flowers are occasionally used among cultures worldwide as a natural dye for fabric and other organic materials.
Applications
Cosmos flowers have a mild, sweet, and subtly earthy, peppery taste suited for fresh preparations. The flowers can be used whole, or just the petals can be removed and incorporated into dishes. Cosmos flowers are often added to salads, and their vibrant colors add increased visual appeal and depth. Their mild flavor complements light vinaigrettes and dressings infused with citrus, and the blooms should be added just before serving. Cosmos flowers can also be pressed and rolled into compound butter, which is served with bread, corn, grilled meats, and seafood. Try sprinkling the petals or placing a bloom over toast for enhanced visual appeal. The flowers add elegance to a toast covered in avocado, jams, or whipped cheese. Cosmos flowers are also used to decorate desserts, such as cakes and cookies. The blooms can be placed raw on top of frosted treats or brushed with egg whites and sugar for a candied nature. Individual petals can also be candied and added to desserts. While less common, flowers are sometimes suspended in jellies or added to fresh rice paper rolls for splashes of color. Beyond culinary purposes, Cosmos flowers are often used in cocktails, their petals added to ice cubes, or dried and steeped to make tea. Cosmos flowers pair well with flavorings like vanilla, citrus, and chamomile, as well as soft cheeses such as goat, ricotta, brie, and camembert. Fresh Origins® blooms should be kept in their original clamshell and stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 14 days.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Cosmos flowers were said to have acquired their name from Spanish priests in Mexico who revered the flowers for the petals’ symmetry and orderly nature. The blooms were often grown in mission gardens and were named Cosmos, which comes from the Greek word “kosmos.” In Greek, kosmos was a word to describe “order,” an “orderly arrangement,” and “adornment.” This description later gave Cosmos flowers symbolic meanings in Europe, as the blooms became associated with harmony, peace, balance, and order. The word "kosmos" was also used as an alternative name for the universe, referring to it as a structured and organized system, a title given by the Greek philosopher Pythagoras.
Geography/History
Cosmos flowers are native to the Americas and have origins in regions of Mexico extending south to Brazil. The species has been growing wild since ancient times and has been historically used as both a culinary and medicinal plant. Cosmos plants were introduced from the New World, specifically from areas of Mexico, to Spain in the 16th century, and were later spread throughout Europe. Plants from the Cosmos genus were present in England by the late 18th century, but it was not until after extensive breeding in the early to mid-20th century that the plants became popular for home gardens. Cosmos flowers were also transported from Mexico to the Philippines on ships as a source of food, and later naturalized throughout Asia. Today, Cosmos flowers are grown worldwide in home and commercial gardens. For culinary purposes, only a few species are used. Cosmo flowers grown by Fresh Origins® are curated and grown in San Diego, California. Fresh Origins® is the largest grower and supplier of microgreens, edible flowers, and specialty items in the United States and was established in 1995. The specialty company leverages its ideal location in the mild Southern California climate to produce robust, healthy, and visually appealing flowers. Cosmos flowers are hand-harvested, packed, and shipped at peak maturity to provide chefs and mixologists with a quality garnish. Today, Cosmos flowers, in general, can be found worldwide, but the blooms grown by Fresh Origins® are found through select distribution partners across the United States, including Specialty Produce. Some partners of Fresh Origins® are also present in Canada.
Learn More...Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Snake Oil Cocktail Company LLC | San Diego CA | 619-754-4041 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue) | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Lobby (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Fresh Sushi Catering | Carlsbad CA | 858-344-7098 |
| RB Sushi | San Diego CA | 858-613-9000 |
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Carruth Cellars Urban Winery | San Diego CA | 619-546-9300 |
| De La Vina | San Diego CA | 619-990-6124 |
| Pendry SD (5th & Rose) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Venissimo Cheese Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-491-0708 |
| Estancia Adobe | San Diego CA | 858-550-1000 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Lou Lou's (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Venissimo Cheese North Park | San Diego CA | 619-376-1834 |
| Venissimo Cheese Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-847-9616 |
