The ‘grape’ on Grape Hyacinth might make you jump to eat them, but the name can be deceiving, so better to check the edible criteria.
Go through the article to learn about the detail of Grape Hyacinth and what you can do to prevent any hazards.
Table of Contents Show
Are Grape Hyacinths Rare?
Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is a perennial bulb of the Lily family native to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia.
Most gardeners love Grape Hyacinth for its availability and the bell-shaped flowers that are densely packed in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
Instead, they are among the earliest spring bloomers that sit well with Daffodils and Tulips. Also, they are resistant to deer.
Thus, nothing can be more worth it than having Grape Hyacinth in your garden, given they are common and an eye-catcher for the packed flowers that look-like grapes.
However, there can be competition among the varieties since one might be rarer than the other.
For example, British Grape Hyacinth (Muscari neglectum) is rare among all, and you can only find it in parts of the UK due to habitat loss.
Is Grape Hyacinth Edible For Humans Or Poisonous?
Grape Hyacinth being edible or poisonous, is differentiated by a thin line of distinction.
But some claim bulbs are only poisonous to cold-blooded animals like snakes and lizards. However, better to stay away from the bulbs to prevent any hazards.
As for the flower and buds, you can use them to prepare various food and syrup recipes since they are perfect for culinary use and non-toxic.
Meanwhile, you should be able to identify this Hyacinth because Grape Hyacinth look-alikes can be poisonous to pets and humans.
The most resembling Grape Hyacinth look-alikes are Bluebells and true Hyacinths. The former has similarities in flowers. Meanwhile, the true Hyacinth resembles foliage.
And these both contain toxic compounds that are highly harmful. So watch out for these look-alikes before consuming Grape Hyacinth.
Excessive consumption of Grape Hyacinth triggers mild toxicity leading to gastrointestinal issues in humans and pets. So eat it in limit.
Can I Eat Grape Hyacinth Raw?
Grape Hyacinth flower and bud have a mild sour and grape-like flavor that might be bitter to some new to it.
So most people use the Grape Hyacinth flowers in salads, soups, and stews recipes. And use the buds by pickling or preparing syrup.
Another way of using the edible Grape Hyacinth is by infusing it in alcohol, hot water, or lemonade with sugar.
From Editorial Team
Extra Tips!
Identify the Grape Hyacinth from the toxic true Hyacinth by looking at the plant size. The former is smaller and has long blades of grass with a white shade at the flower rim.
Avoid consuming roots, stems, or leaves of Grape Hyacinth. Also, do not touch it if you have sensitive skin, as it can cause irritation and rashes.
