Calendula

Calendula officinalis

flower

Bright orange petals of the pot marigold, very common around the Mediterranean, which reseeds itself — the wind does the gardening; in salads, on rice, or as a tea.

Origin

Mediterranean basin

Where to find it

It is mostly picked in vegetable gardens, where organic growers plant it to attract beneficial insects; its dried petals are sold by herbalists.

Season (United States)

June to October

Preparation

The petals are pulled from the centre and scattered raw over a salad, rice or omelette, for colour; the bitter centre is removed. Dried, they are infused.

Molecules

In small amounts, not counted Lutein and zeaxanthin

Did you know?

In English it is also called Mary's gold; its orange comes from two carotenoids, flavoxanthin and auroxanthin.