Calendula: Edible and Incredible

Did you know the ancient Romans named this plant Calendula because they noticed that it was blooming on the first day of every month (calends)? It was a symbol of joy and happiness in their gardens, and because it provided them with a continuous supply of flowers and tender leaves, it was used for cooking and in medicine.

Culinary Use

Calendula has been used in cooking for centuries. The flowers were a common ingredient in German soups and stews, which explains the nickname “pot marigold.” The beautiful golden petals were also used to add color to butter and cheese. The flowers are traditional ingredients in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. It has also been called “ poor mans saffron.”

Calendula tea provides health benefits and is delicious. I combine mine with lemon balm, lemon verbena , and mint to give it an extra bright summery taste. Calendula applied topically as a salve -is incredibly healing for many skin ailments.

A marigold by any other name...

The name “pot marigold “ is an area of some confusion. Some people label calendula as marigold, when in fact it is a very different plant. They are both in the Asteraceae ( daisy) family. Calendula has oringins in Europe. Some sources list Southern Europe, but that is up for discussion . It prefers a cool climate.

Marigold on the other hand is native to the Americas. The earliest use was by the Aztec people for : medicinal , religious, and magical purposes. It prefers a hot arid climate.

*Some Info obtained from :Garden Guides