Magnolia Grandiflora: Ancient Flower, Fresh Flavor
Photography by Marie Viljoen
During the steamiest days of summer, when most other trees are resolutely green and flower-free, Magnolia grandiflora opens her luminous petals. But there is more: M. grandiflora has been used extensively as an Indigenous medicine, and its leaves and pungent petals are edible.
Magnolia grandiflora blooming in Brooklyn, New York. Magnolia grandiflora is native to the Southeastern and Gulf Coast states of the United States.
M. grandiflora leaves captured by an ice storm. Fortunately, hardier cultivars have been developed that ensure that this glorious tree can be grown from USDA zones 6 – 9, in full sun, with plenty of moisture.
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Edith Bogue’ – hardy to USDA zone 6. Where I live, in Brooklyn, NY, the first flowers appear in June, around the time that tulip poplars (Liriodendron tulipfera, a relative of magnolia) drop their last green-and-orange, cupped blossoms.
Each white flower is open for about three days.
The ripe, scarlet seeds studding the velvety follicetum (an aggregate fruit, botanically) are strikingly beautiful and intensely ornamental.
Seeds remain attached to the cone by a silken thread.
Compensation – 2 oz gin, 1 oz fermented strawberry syrup, lots of tonic and ice. All magnolia petals are edible and they vary in pungency, depending on the species.
I like to use magnolia petals as edible spoons. Here, they hold avocado, crushed cucumber, snap peas and kimchi in fish sauce and lime juice dressing with sesame oil and basil.
Avocado, radishes, quick-pickled onions, chile, and shoyu. As plates or spoons, M. grandiflora petals come into their own as show-stopping and flavorful receptacles for salads, ceviches, poke, or sticky rice.
The base of a chicken braise with southern magnolia flowers, onion, and unripe grapes.
Black Currant Slaw in southern bay petals.
Black currants are briefly in season when southern bay is in bloom: Lipstick pink and ivory—it’s very exciting. • 1/2 fennel bulb, shaved lengthways. Just before serving, arrange a small tangle of slaw in the center of each magnolia petal.
Black Currant Slaw in Magnolia Petals