Buzz Buttons
Buzz buttons are small but very unique flowers with a flavor that quite literally tingles. Grown at our organic farm in Arlington, VA, these electric yellow blossoms pack an incredible sensory experience that’s part citrus, part chamomile, and entirely unexpected.
What are Buzz Buttons?
Also known as electric daisies or Szechuan buttons, buzz buttons are the flowering heads of Acmella oleracea, a plant in the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and dandelions. These dime-sized blooms feature bright yellow petals with a red center and grow on tall, slender green stems.
Native to Brazil and long used in traditional Amazonian medicine, the plant has spread to Southeast Asia and Africa, where it’s celebrated for its culinary and therapeutic properties. When bitten, buzz buttons cause a tingling, numbing, and salivating effect thanks to a compound called spilanthol—think Pop Rocks meets lemon zest. The sensation makes them a popular choice in creative kitchens and cocktail bars.
How to Prepare Buzz Buttons
Buzz buttons are best enjoyed raw to preserve their iconic tingle, but they can also be dried for future use (see below). A little goes a long way—start with a single petal or half a flower if you're new to the sensation.
Cocktail or Mocktail: Use as a garnish in cocktails or try this cocktail/mocktail recipe.
Electric Appetizers: Mix minced petals with goat cheese or hummus.
Desserts: Top fruit salads, citrusy cakes, or chocolate mousse with a few pedals.
How to Dry Buzz Buttons
Drying buzz buttons helps preserve their unique zing so you can enjoy them for months. Here are a few drying methods:
1. Air Dry on a Rack
Gently rinse flowers and pat dry with a towel.
Spread out in a single layer on a mesh drying rack or screen.
Place in a well-ventilated, dry area out of direct sunlight.
Let dry for 5–7 days, flipping once halfway through.
2. Oven Drying
Preheat your oven to the lowest possible setting (ideally 95–115°F).
Place flowers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prop the oven door open slightly to allow airflow.
Dry for 2–4 hours, checking every 30 minutes to avoid browning.
3. Dehydrator Method
Set dehydrator to 95–105°F.
Spread flowers in a single layer on trays.
Dry for 12–24 hours until fully crisp.
Let cool before storing in an airtight container.
Once dried, store buzz buttons in a cool, dark spot in a glass jar or tin. They'll keep their tingle for months!
Buzz Button Health Benefits
Buzz buttons aren’t just a party trick—they come with functional benefits:
Natural Analgesic: Spilanthol has mild numbing effects, which may help relieve toothaches or sore throats.
Digestive Aid: Traditionally, they’ve been used to stimulate appetite and digestion.
Immune Support: They contain antioxidants and compounds shown to support immune response.
Buzz buttons have a history in herbal medicine and continue to attract interest in natural wellness circles.
Buzz Button Facts
The “buzz” comes from spilanthol: This bioactive compound stimulates nerve endings and salivary glands, creating a buzzing, mouth-watering effect.
Used for centuries in folk medicine: In Brazil, it’s called "jambu" and used to treat everything from toothaches to fevers.
A bartender’s best friend: Buzz buttons are gaining cult status in high-end mixology for adding a multisensory surprise to cocktails.
Area 2 Farms for Locals
Your food should be equally accessible and nutritious. Which is where we come in. We’re Area 2 Farms, we grow organic produce, deliver it to your door weekly, and operate all within 10 miles of you.
