I learnt to identify black locust blossoms a few years
back from my friend LR , the species of edible flower in China is
actually called 'Huai Hua' (槐花)
Styphnolobium
japonicum(L.).
The one that we found in
the woods here in the Eastern part of the USA is actually Black
Locust (洋槐花)Robinia
pseudoacacia.
Both the blossoms are
very similar in shapes and tastes.
Since Black locust blossoms
is widely eaten in Europe and USA as fresh salad or made into
snacks or jam. So it is almost safe to say that it can be used
interchangeably with Chinese Huai Hua
Styphnolobium
japonicum(L.) in any recipes.
Huai hua is normally served steamed with
a little wheat/corn flour and spicy sauce, a very tasty and hearty
romantic way to serve flowers!
我家附近的野生洋槐
The Black
Locust tree near my house and its blossoms
Ingredients:
2 cups of Black Locust Blossoms (Sepal and stem
removed)
1/8 tsp of Salt
3 tbsp of All purpose flour (For more flavor, you can use 1
tbsp of cornmeal mix with 2 tbsp of all purpose flour)
2 tbsp of minced garlic
2 tbsp of minced scallion
For the Sauce/dressing:
1 tbsp of Red
oil
2 tsp of black vinegar
3 tsp of Light soy sauce
1/2 tsp of sugar
1. Clean and soak the blossoms for a few minutes. Drained,
and remove the sepals and stems.
2. Blend the salt and flour well, add it to the blossoms and
use a spatula to mix the blossoms, make sure all the petals are
coated with flours. Don't press the petals, it should still be
fluffy after coating.
3. Mix all ingredients under sauce/dressing
together.
4. Lightly scoop the blossoms into a steamer lined with
parchment paper or cheesecloths. Steam the blossoms for 12-15
minutes at high.
5. Fluff the blossoms with a fork, add some minced garlic,
minced scallion and drizzle some dressing over it, mix well and
serve warm.