calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bloom Color: Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early fall, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid fall. Form: Upright or erect.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste of a saline nature. — When eaten they first of all impart a viscid sweetness, followed by a strong penetrating taste of a saline nature.; They are very rich in vitamins and minerals and are similar to Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) in nutritional value.; Fresh petals are chopped and added to salads.; The dried petals have a more concentrated flavour and are used as a seasoning in soups, cakes etc.

Habitat & North American Range

The original habitat is obscure but it is found as a garden escape on waste, cultivated and arable land and along roadsides. (Zone 2)