Leaves are also edible. Santo A Earthy, strong Use leaves and flowers raw as the flavor fades quickly when cooked. For flower use, remove small florets from stem and chop. Use whole heads in pickles. Young leaves are used in cooking and the petals are also used to brew tea.
Roots produce a nutritious starch.
The Watchman B None to slightly bitter Petals are used as a natural coloring for wines and herbal teas. 341 Southern Giant A Adds a bite Mixed salads, sprinkled on soups, cider vinaigrette. The flower, leaves and seed pods are edible. Pickle immature seed heads. A Seeds are made into flour, cereal, rolled oats, bran, ect.