Are Marigolds Edible? + Marigold Recipes

Are Marigolds Edible? The answer is yes and no. There are edible varieties and then others that you should avoid. Marigolds are one of my favorite flowers for making various dishes.

Are Marigolds Edible?

If you’re looking for more edible flower ideas, Easy Steps to Save Marigold Seeds and How to Grow Roses will help you on your culinary journey.

While marigolds are primarily known for their vibrant colors and ornamental value, certain species within the marigold family, specifically the Tagetes genus, are commonly used in culinary applications. These edible flowers, called pot marigolds or calendula, have bright yellow or orange petals with a mild, slightly tangy flavor.

They are often used as a garnish in salads, soups, and various dishes or steeped in hot water to create herbal teas.

Are Marigolds Edible? Dried Marigold Flowers in a Clear Jar — Are Marigolds Edible? Dried Marigold Flowers

Not all marigold varieties are safe for consumption, so seeking edible types for culinary is essential. Non-edible marigolds may contain compounds or chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is the perfect flower to add to your garden; in addition to culinary uses, marigolds can be used in tinctures, as pest control, and to bring color to your landscape.

Marigolds are an edible plant that attracts beneficial insects to your yard. If you want to add more pollinators to your garden, look no further than the marigold flower.

The wonderful thing about marigolds is you only need a little space to grow them. You need a location that receives full sun and well-draining soil.

According to Dr. Axe, you should avoid marigold products if you are allergic to daisies, ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums, echinacea, and other plants in the same family.

Types of Marigolds that are Edible

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
African Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
Signet Marigold
Queen Sofia Marigold
Mexican Marigold

How to Eat Marigolds

Before adding marigolds to your dishes, be sure to cut off the base of the petals. The base is usually white or pale green. You also don’t want the stem, as these plant parts will make the flowers taste bitter.

Health Benefits of Marigolds

Gargling with marigold tea will help soothe the pain of a sore throat. It will also help with acid reflux and ulcers and reduce stomach cramps.

Marigold-infused water will help reduce inflammation and reduce free radical damage.

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Are Marigolds Edible? Photo of Bowl of Dried Marigold Flowers — Are Marigolds Edible?

Here are Some Ideas on Using Marigolds in Recipes

Marigold Tea

You can easily make marigold tea. Experiment with the amount of marigold petals you use to taste. I like adding marigold flowers to my green tea and finishing it with a touch of honey.

Marigold Butter

I love to use flowers to add flavor to butter. Marigold butter looks so beautiful on a table, served with scones or biscuits. Here’s a recipe for marigold butter.

Edible Flower Salad

Add fresh marigold petals or the whole head to salads for a beautiful presentation.

Tortellini in Marigold Broth

Using marigolds to infuse broth is a wonderful way to elevate any dish. I love how this dish pairs marigold broth with tortellini to create a beautiful dish.

Marigolds as Garnish

Marigold flowers, with their vibrant hues ranging from sunny yellows to deep oranges, aren’t just a pretty addition to your garden – they can also elevate your culinary creations as a unique and flavorful garnish.

These edible flowers offer a delicate yet distinct taste, often described as subtly citrusy or peppery, making them versatile companions to various dishes.

Consider floating whole marigold blooms on top of soups or risottos, creating an eye-catching focal point that adds visual appeal and a subtle floral aroma. Infuse their petals into vinegar or oil to impart a gentle floral essence, perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables or grilled seafood.

Alternatively, freeze marigold petals into ice cubes to add a whimsical touch to cocktails or mocktails, infusing drinks with a burst of color.

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