Marigold flowers, known as Tageteserecta, are famous for landscaping, gardening, skin care, and making healthy and flavorful tea. Marigold tea has a slightly citrus taste and is abundant in antioxidants, making it an excellent way to enhance your health.
I've always felt like marigolds are underrated in the edible flower world. Due to their versatility, popularity, and flavor, you'll see endless recipes with roses, lavender, and pansies. But marigolds are full of beautiful and wonderful benefits. Marigolds are easy to grow and should be considered in your edible flower garden.
Why you should grow some marigolds:
- Marigolds are easy to grow
- Marigolds are edible
- They naturally repel certain pests from your precious garden.
- They attract other pollinators.
What is marigold tea good for?
Marigold tea has been used for its benefits for centuries, especially for digestive problems like upset stomach, heartburn, and constipation. It also improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation.
Marigold tea has various benefits for women, including alleviating cramps, aiding digestion, and relieving nausea, stomach ulcers, and menstrual discomfort. Additionally, marigold tincture can ease headaches and facilitate sleep.
Is marigold tea safe?
Avoid consuming marigolds if you're allergic to plants in the daisy (composite) family. Do not take this if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or before surgery.
What does marigold tea taste like?
Marigolds have a citrusy, peppery flavor similar to arugula with a hint of anise. Signet marigolds are known for their sweeter taste, with more robust citrus notes and less bitterness than calendula.
How to harvest marigolds for tea:
To harvest marigold blooms, pick or cut off the flower where it meets the stem. For edible or medicinal purposes, avoid collecting the heads that are already starting to dry and go to seed. Fresh blooms are best for this. Use the older ones for seed-saving instead.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh or dried marigold petals
- 1 tablespoon honey or sweetener of choice.
Tools:
- Small saucepan or tea kettle to boil water
- Tea strainer or infuser
How to Brew marigold tea:
Start by bringing the cup of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 1 minute. This will help to prevent the delicate marigold petals from being overcooked.
Once the water has cooled slightly, add the marigold petals to the water. If you are using a tea infuser, place the petals into the infuser and submerge it in the water. If you are not using an infuser, simply place the petals directly into the water. Allow the mixture to steep for 3-5 minutes.
After 3-5 minutes, remove the infuser or strain out the marigold petals. At this point, you can add honey to sweeten if desired. Enjoy your cup of marigold tea!