Welcome to my "now what?" series. This is part of my Food Storage Prepping in the Garden collection to help you better understand what you are growing and how to use your harvest.
#igrewthisnowwhat
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) flowers are daisy-like and come in colors of orange or yellow with single or double rows of petals. The genus name comes from the Latin word “calendae”, which means “the first day of the month” as it flowers all year round in milder climates.
Calendula thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and cooler temperatures. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering, and expect blooms in about two months.
Harvest calendula flowers mid-morning on a dry, sunny day, after the morning dew has completely evaporated. Avoid harvesting on rainy, foggy, or highly humid days.
For maximum medicinal benefits and culinary uses, pick or snip the entire flower head where it meets the stem. The sticky, green base (calyx) contains a high concentration of beneficial resins and oils.
Once harvested, Calendula petals can be used to make your self-care products. I make Calendula Infused Oil.
*Always use DRIED flowers for your oil infusions. Calendula flowers can be dried on a rack or in a dehydrator.
The freshly harvested petals are entirely edible, providing a beautiful pop of color and a mildly earthy, slightly peppery flavor.
Natural Food Coloring: Puree the petals and use them as a natural, saffron-like colorant for cakes, butter, or cookies
Natural Fabric Dye: Simmer the spent heads in boiling water for an hour to extract the pigment. Pre-treated natural fabrics like wool or linen can be dyed in the warm water.
Companion Planting: If you are growing them, leave some flowers on the plant. Calendula is a fantastic companion plants that draw pollinators like bees and butterflies, while deterring certain garden pests.
Tea: I generally use 1 tablespoon of dried petals per cup of water. Always research herbs prior to consuming. Not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing.
Storing Calendula Flowers
Make sure your Calendula is completely dry before storing. Store dried calendula in glass jars with airtight seals.
