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Redbud Flower Seed Pods are Edible!

Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson extension and Making It Grow! My drive on the Sumter Highway coming and going form St. Matthews has been made more beautiful than usual by the many flowering redbuds   growing on the roadsides. This native tree has an open shape and somewhat crooked branches and as the flowers hug the branches it doesn’t disappear into a poof but retains its character.  An added bonus to this adaptable native is that the young flowers seed pods are edible. I had an occasion to make deviled eggs for my nephew Andy McNulty’s “match day” for Medical school, and made that tasty but sometimes ho hum southern picnic stable into a much talked about  item by sprinkling small, individual purple redbud flowers over the tops. The flavor is mildly pepper and they have just enough crunch to let you know they are there. Redbud, Cercis canadensis, make room for one in your garden. 

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