How much carb is in a flower?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

While most flowers are not typically eaten, edible varieties show a high degree of variability in their carbohydrate content. The amount of carb in a flower can range from very low to surprisingly high when measured on a dry weight basis, depending entirely on the species. Understanding this nutritional profile is crucial for those interested in adding these unique ingredients to their meals.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of flowers varies significantly by species and can include both simple sugars and dietary fiber. Some, like nasturtium and hibiscus, are very low in carbohydrates, while others, such as rose petals and certain wild edible flowers, contain higher amounts. The overall nutritional value is low calorie, rich in antioxidants, and depends on the specific blossom.

Key Points

Variable Carb Content: The amount of carb in a flower varies significantly based on its species, preparation (fresh vs. dried), and part (e.g., petals, nectar).
Low Calorie, High Water: Fresh edible flowers are typically low in calories and carbohydrates due to their high moisture content.
Carbs from Fiber and Sugar: Carbohydrates in flowers consist of both simple, digestible sugars found primarily in nectar and indigestible dietary fiber in petals.
Negligible Dietary Impact: When used as a garnish or flavoring, the carbohydrate contribution from fresh edible flowers is usually negligible in a typical diet.
Rich in Antioxidants: The primary health benefits of edible flowers come from antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins rather than their macronutrient profile.
Check Edibility and Pesticides: It is crucial to only consume flowers confirmed as edible and grown without pesticides, as not all flowers are safe to eat.

The Surprising Science Behind Floral Carbohydrates

Unlike fruits or grains, flowers are not typically a primary source of carbohydrates in the human diet. However, for those exploring edible flowers for culinary or health purposes, their nutritional profile is an important consideration. Research reveals that the carbohydrate content can vary dramatically among species, encompassing different types of sugars and dietary fiber. The precise amount depends on factors like the flower's species, part, and moisture content.

Why Do Flowers Contain Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates in flowers serve a crucial purpose for the plant's biology. Nectar, for instance, is a sugar-rich liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators. The nectar contains simple sugars like fructose and glucose, providing a quick energy source for insects and birds. Beyond nectar, structural carbohydrates like cellulose and pectin are found within the petals, stems, and other parts. These indigestible fibers are what give the plant its form and texture.

Comparing Different Edible Flowers

The most important distinction to make is between fresh and dried flowers. The moisture content can significantly alter the perceived nutritional value. When dried, the weight is reduced, concentrating the carbohydrates. Studies often report nutritional values on a fresh weight (f.w) or dry weight (d.w) basis, which can lead to confusion if not clearly stated. For example, 100 grams of fresh nasturtium flowers contains about 4.8 grams of carbohydrates, while some analyses show dried rose petals having over 70% carbohydrates by dry weight.

Here is a comparison table showing the approximate nutritional content of various edible flowers per 100 grams on a fresh weight basis, providing a clear reference for culinary use.


Edible Flower	Total Carbohydrates (g/100g f.w)	Total Dietary Fiber (g/100g f.w)	Simple Sugars (g/100g f.w)	Energy (kcal/100g f.w)
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)	7.14	4.51	~2.63	21.44
Marigold (Tagetes erecta)	14.15	9.20	~4.95	28.02
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)	7.57	2.12	-	53.50
Rose (Rosa spp.)	9.41	3.20	-	60.03

How to Safely Consume and Interpret Flower Nutrition

It is vital to only consume flowers that are known to be edible and have not been treated with pesticides. Beyond the macronutrients, flowers are valued for their bioactive compounds, which include powerful antioxidants like flavonoids and carotenoids. These compounds are what truly make edible flowers a beneficial dietary supplement, offering health benefits beyond simple caloric intake.

For most people, the low caloric and carbohydrate content of fresh, edible flowers means they have a negligible impact on a daily diet. Even varieties with higher dry-weight percentages are typically consumed in such small quantities—as a garnish or flavoring—that their contribution to overall carbohydrate intake is minimal. The focus should be on the unique flavor, color, and antioxidant properties they add to dishes.

The Role of Dietary Fiber

For many edible flowers, a significant portion of their total carbohydrate content is indigestible dietary fiber, rather than simple sugars. For example, in the edible flower of Spilanthes oleracea, dietary fiber constitutes over 70% of the total carbohydrates. This is particularly important for those on low-carb diets, as the body does not digest this fiber, and it is therefore not converted into glucose. The high fiber content in these flowers can be beneficial for digestive health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the amount of carb in a flower is highly variable and often minimal when consumed in typical culinary quantities. While certain dried blossoms may have a high percentage of carbohydrates by dry weight, fresh flowers like nasturtium and marigold contain a combination of simple sugars and dietary fiber, but remain very low in calories. The true nutritional value of edible flowers lies in their rich content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, rather than their small carbohydrate contribution. Always ensure any flower you eat is confirmed edible and pesticide-free.

Authority Link

For more information on the nutrient composition of edible flowers and other plant foods, refer to the USDA FoodData Central database: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all flowers are low in carbohydrates, and their carb content can vary depending on the species and whether they are fresh or dried. While fresh flowers are generally low in carbs and calories due to high water content, some dried varieties can have a much higher concentration.

Flowers contain different types of carbohydrates. Nectar primarily consists of simple sugars like fructose and glucose, while other parts of the flower, such as petals, contain dietary fiber and more complex carbohydrates.

Yes, beyond carbohydrates, edible flowers offer significant nutritional value. They are often rich in beneficial bioactive compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins (like C and A), and minerals such as potassium and phosphorus.

Yes, when dried, the moisture is removed, concentrating the nutrients. Therefore, dried flowers will contain a much higher percentage of carbohydrates by weight compared to their fresh counterparts.

Many fresh edible flowers are low in carbohydrates. Nasturtium flowers, for example, have a low overall carbohydrate and calorie count, with a good portion of their carbs coming from dietary fiber.

Yes, different parts of a flower have different compositions. Nectar is rich in simple sugars, while petals are more fibrous and contain more complex carbohydrates and water.

For reliable information, consult reputable food composition databases like the USDA FoodData Central. However, be mindful of the basis on which nutrients are reported (fresh weight vs. dry weight).