If you're looking for a fast and easy way to add a sweet, floral touch to food or beverages, you can't get much better than edible flowers. Vibrant purple and white edible orchids will also give the item a fun, tropical twist. 

Edible orchids not only look good — they taste good as well. They're known to have a crisp texture with a slightly sweet, earthy flavor similar to endive. Even if you don't want to eat the flowers, they'll still add color and plenty of visual interest to any food item. 

You can use edible orchids to enhance a wide range of dishes and beverages, including candies, appetizers, main courses, desserts, and even cocktails. A few of these bright, purple flowers will go a long way in making even the most boring-looking food picture-worthy.

You can find edible orchids in specialty food stores and online retailers, and many are imported from Asia. Since you'll be eating the blooms, make sure that they haven't been treated with chemical sprays or pesticides. 

Here are some ideas for using edible flowers for your next special occasion:

1. Beverages 

One of the simplest ways to incorporate edible orchids into a special event menu is via beverages. As one creative idea, gently tear the orchid into small pieces, and sprinkle them into water in ice cube trays. When the cubes are frozen, the flower pieces will be suspended inside.

You can use the orchid-infused ice cubes in a variety of tropical cocktails and drinks, including mai tais, rum punch, pina coladas, and mojitos. They'll also beautify non-alcoholic beverages, such as pineapple or Hawaiian fruit punch.

As another option, you can simply place a whole edible orchid on top of a drink for a pop of color.

2. Appetizers 

Accent an appetizer tray with tempura-battered and fried edible orchids as a surprising-yet-delicious touch. You can also strategically place the blooms throughout a fruit-and-cheese platter or sprinkled throughout green salads.

As an additional idea, spread cream cheese on small toasts or crackers and place the edible orchids on top to infuse the snacks with a touch of elegance. 

3. Desserts 

You can use edible orchids to accent a wide range of dessert options, including wedding and birthday cakes, cupcakes, pies, and tarts. You can also frost cookies and press the blooms onto the tops of them. You can also create candied orchids using egg whites and sugar.