Is there a difference b/w gumpaste flowers and sugar flowers? I heard that gumpaste flowers are not edible. Then I saw one of the wedding cake specials on food network where the host actually tasted one of Sylvia Weinstock's sugar flowers.

I'm confused!

I think they are the same thing. Gumpaste flowers are edible (By edible meaning, there is nothing in them that´s toxic) but I don´t know who would want to eat them. They dry rock hard.

Inma

Or do you mean sugared flowers? Sugared is where real flowers are painted with egg whites and then sprinkled with fine sugar.

I believe that show on food network(The secret life of...), he ate the flower while it was still fresh. I don't think it had time to dry out yet.

I've heard the terms gumpaste and sugar used interchangeably, but I'm not sure if that's right.

I think sugar flowers could also refer to pulled sugar. I know i've heard gumpaste and sugarpaste being used interchangeably, but when someone says sugar flowers i think of pulled sugar. Just my 2 cents.

I agree,when I hear sugar flowers I think of pulled sugar,which I believe is quite differant from gumpaste.the pulled sugar I would think has aboiling process and cooling down stage to make it plyable.I watched it on food net not long ago,and it looked like taffy to me!!!then I saw how he molded a red rose like it was a piece of cake LOL. did anybody else catch this on tv? on another note,I wasn't aware real flowers could be painted/dipped wtih egg whites then ad fine sugar!?anyone tried this,thats awesome!

I have not done the sugared flowers but I have directions for them. I've seen some photos here where people have included them. You just have to make sure they are pesticide free flowers. My sister has my book with the instructions but I can give them to you tomorrow if you want.