Pot Marigold - May Herb of the Month - Chagrin Valley Herb Society

Calendula, Calendula officinalis

Tips for Use

Harvest calendula petals after the dew has dried. Rinse and dry before using.
Calendula petals can be used fresh or dried, depending on the recipe.
Infuse calendula petals into rice recipes, creams, or other liquids to add a yellowish color.
Use petals fresh on raw salads and as a garnish on other dishes.
Store dried calendula petals in a glass jar for addition to tea blends or to infuse into other liquids.
Be sure to use only flowers that have not been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals

Egg Salad with Calendula and Chive

Ingredients

12 hard-boiled eggs
½ cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
2 Tablespoons each of chopped sweet pickles and juice
¼ cup thinly sliced green onions or minced onion
⅓ cup finely diced celery
2 Tablespoons snipped chives
2 Tablespoons snipped dill leaves
½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 handful of fresh calendula petals, coarsely chopped Calendula petals for garnish

Directions

Dice the eggs and put them in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, pickle juice, onions, celery, 1 Tbsp of the chives, paprika, and salt and pepper. Toss well to blend. Stir in the chopped calendula flower petals. Refrigerate for 1/2 hour before serving. Let stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with calendula petals and the remaining chives and dill and serve immediately.
Serves 6
HSA member, Susan Belsinger, ©2007 Calendula, An Herb Society of America Guide

Calendula Facts

The common name marigold should not be confused with the common garden marigold, Tagetes
spp.

Calendula flower petals are the part of the plant most often used in culinary recipes, skincare and
other medicinal preparations.

The flowers make excellent cut flowers for arrangements.

The petals have anti-inflammatory properties and have been used both topically for a variety of skin
conditions and wounds as well as in preparations for digestive issues, throat inflammation, and eye pain.

It is also used in cosmetics.

Add calendula petals to salads, compound butter, baked goods or in place of saffron. The leaves are edible and used in salads but are bitter

Growing Tips

Sow seeds 6-8 weeks before frost or plant seeds or transplants outside after the last frost date.

Plant in full sun and rich, well-drained soils.

“It is the policy of The Herb Society of America, Inc. not to advise or recommend herbs for medicinal or
health use. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as
a recommendation or an endorsement of any medical or health treatment. Please consult a health care
provider before pursuing any herbal treatments.”