Safflower | Koosumbha | Hoang-tchi (Carthamus tinctorius)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

UPDATE 29/11/2011:Carthamus tinctorius was originally in the database as Carthamnus tinctorius.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour, they can be used as a spinach. — An edible oil is obtained from the seed.; It contains a higher percentage of essential unsaturated fatty acids and a lower percentage of saturated fatty acids than other edible vegetable seed oils.; The oil, light coloured and easily clarified, is used in salad dressings, cooking oils and margarines.; A very stable oil, it is said to be healthier than many other edible oils and its addition to the diet helps to reduce blood-cholesterol levels.

Habitat & North American Range

Poor dry soils in full sun. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)