An Analysis of 101 Species of Edible Flowers for Use in Agro-healing

Background and objective: The purpose of this study was to categorize edible flowers based on their characteristics, enabling them to be grown and used directly in agro-healing programs. This approach addresses the issue of edible flowers often being used without proper food safety verification.Methods: Among the edible flowers registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), 101 species that are suitable for use as agro-healing resources and cultivated in South Korea were selected. Information on horticultural classification, flowering period, edible parts, and flower colors were collected based on scientific name through a literature review using encyclopedias and plant dictionaries. The collected data were then categorized to promote the safer and more practical use in agro-healing practices.Results: Among the edible flowers announced by MFDS, perennials were the most common, accounting for 30 species (29.7%). The majority of species—75 in total (47.5%)—bloom mainly between June and August. In most cases, the edible and usable part was “flowers,” found in 84 species (83.2%), and the most common color was white, observed in 48 species (30.0%).Conclusion: Agro-healing programs, which involve the entire process of directly growing, caring for, harvesting, and using plants, should be designed with consideration of the growth characteristics, food safety, color, and functional properties of edible flowers. This will ensure their effective use as crops throughout the entire process, from sowing to harvest. In addition, further research is needed to explore the potential of edible flowers as agro-healing resources, particularly through studies that analyze their therapeutic effects.