Calendula flowers: A colorful twist in your cooking
What's the story
Calendula flowers, with their bright orange and yellow colors, are not only beautiful to look at but also a secret weapon in the kitchen. These edible flowers have a slightly peppery flavor, making them a fun and unexpected addition to many dishes. Whether you're tossing them in a salad or sprinkling them on soup for a pop of color, calendula brings beauty and taste to the table.
Salad mix
Add color to salads
Adding calendula petals to your salads is one of the easiest ways to make your meal feel extra special. The vibrant petals provide a pop of color and a delicate peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with green leafy veggies. Simply toss a handful of fresh calendula petals on top of your salad just before serving.
Soup garnish
Enhance your soups
Calendula petals make a great edible garnish for soups, adding a pop of color and a unique flavor. Whether you're serving a velvety cream soup or a delicate clear broth, a sprinkle of calendula petals just before serving elevates your dish to gourmet status. They're not just pretty - they also add a subtle, unexpected flavor that will have your guests guessing your secret ingredient.
Infusion
Create calendula-infused oil
Fill a jar with dried calendula petals and cover them with olive oil or any other carrier oil, ensuring that all the petals are submerged. Allow the jar to sit for four weeks in a cool, dark place. After four weeks, strain the oil. This oil can be used in dressings, marinades, or drizzled over dishes for a unique flavor.
Baking addition
Bake with calendula petals
Adding calendula petals to your favorite baked goods like breads, muffins, or cookies will not only make them look more beautiful but also add a unique flavor. You can mix fresh or dried petals directly into the batter or dough before baking. This will give your treats a pop of color and a hint of floral notes.
Tea time
Brew calendula tea
Brewing tea with dried calendula flowers provides a calming experience and allows you to explore a different culinary aspect of this versatile flower. To make calendula tea, simply steep one teaspoon of dried flowers in hot water for approximately five minutes. This herbal tea is comforting and serves as a great base for blending with other herbs or savoring by itself.