A distinctive purple-blue flower has emerged as the summer’s culinary darling in the Bay Area. Bachelor’s button, known for its vibrant hue and delicate petals, is gracing dishes across the region, adding both visual flair and a touch of elegance.
From decadent French toast to delicate slices of raw fish, bachelor’s button can be found enhancing a variety of dishes. Its striking color contrasts beautifully with salads and complements the savory profiles of grilled seafood. This floral trend has swept through the culinary scene, captivating chefs and diners alike with its aesthetic appeal.
Restaurants such as Aphotic, Dalida, and Petit Crenn, as well as chef Dominique Crenn’s Blue Belle farm and other renowned spots like Tiya in the Marina, have embraced bachelor’s button in their menus. Chef Mona Leena Michael of Berkeley’s Lulu attests to its charm, describing it as her “fairy dust” that effortlessly enhances dishes like Turkish eggs and watermelon salad.
At Tiya, chef Pujan Sarka of Rooh fame praises bachelor’s button for its ability to elevate dishes like grilled prawns and hamachi bhel with its vivid blue hue. The flower’s popularity stems not only from its visual appeal but also its practicality and health benefits.
According to Michael, who sources from EarthWorks, Oakland’s premier supplier of edible flowers, bachelor’s button offers durability and value for money compared to other blooms. Sarka highlights its ease of cultivation in the Bay Area’s climate, noting its alignment with sustainable farming practices at Hawak Creek Farm and Three Spring Community Farm.
Andy Powning of EarthWorks notes a growing interest in edible blossoms over the years, with bachelor’s button currently leading the pack due to its popularity and versatility in culinary applications. Its subtle flavor allows chefs to enhance presentations without overpowering the dish’s taste profile.
As Bay Area restaurants continue to innovate with bachelor’s button, this edible flower not only embellishes dishes but also underscores a broader trend towards incorporating visually striking and nutritionally beneficial elements into gourmet cuisine.
