The common marigold (Calendula officinalis) is a widespread flowering plant that is available in different flower colors. It not only brings a decorative and easy-care splash of color to the garden, but is also edible due to the non-toxic flowers and seeds.
Is marigold edible and harmless to he alth?
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is edible and has he alth benefits. Its flowers can be used as tea, tinctures, salves and in fresh summer salads. However, consumption should be in moderation as excessive consumption can lead to discomfort.
The traditional use of marigold as a medicinal plant
Due to its ingredients and their positive effects on the human organism, marigold has been a valued crop in monastery and farm gardens for centuries. The marigold can also be easily grown in a pot or balcony box on the terrace or balcony. Marigold is traditionally used as a natural medicine against various illnesses:
- for stomach and intestinal ulcers
- against skin inflammation
- for wound healing
- against liver disease
After drying, the marigold flowers are administered in the form of ointments (€15.00 on Amazon), teas and tinctures.
Using marigold in the kitchen
In the past, the intensely colored flowers of the perennial flowering marigold were used to adulterate saffron. Even today, the dried ray flowers of the marigold are still often used as a so-called decorative drug in tea mixtures in order to visually enhance the tea mixture. Although the leaves of the marigold are not poisonous despite their somewhat bitter taste, the flowers of the marigold are mainly used for fresh summer salads due to their attractive color and pleasant taste. If you want to use the marigold flowers as an edible decoration on warm dishes, then you should only add them shortly before serving. Otherwise, the heat of cooking will make them brown and unsightly.
Harvesting parts of marigold for consumption
The marigold is generally well tolerated when consumed and allergy sufferers react less strongly to it than to many other composite plants. When harvesting for consumption, you should only use flowers that have not come into contact with pesticides in the garden. If you remove individual flowers by hand during the flowering period, new flowers will usually appear on the calendula. For teas and watery extracts, you should gently air-dry the carefully plucked petals at around 45 degrees Celsius. For use as a decorative drug, a drying temperature of 85 degrees Celsius is better, as the flowers then retain their color better.
Tip
In rare cases, parts of the marigold can also be poisonous. Excessive consumption not only occasionally leads to diarrheal symptoms, but can also have an abortifacient effect on pregnant women.
