Tagetes Erect is native to Mexico and Central America but wisely distributed globally. The flowers are rich in carotenoids and are used to make food and feed pigments. The English name marigold comes from their petals' arrangement resembling Calendula officinalis.
Culinary Uses
Marigold Flower & Florets
FRESH
When the flowers are separated into florets, they are ideal to use as a bright orange accent garnish on mains and salads.
DRIED
We also offer the florets dry which make them more suited for garnishing baked goods or ice cream.
Marigold Flower Tea
WHOLE DRIED FLOWERS
Although distinct and different from Chrysanthemum tea, Marigold flower tea is sometimes marketed in East Asia as a type of “chrysanthemum tea” (万寿菊, Wànshòu jú, meaning ten thousand longevity chrysanthemum. Both belong to the same plant family (Asteraceae), which is why they share some similar flavour notes and medicinal properties. Marigold flower tea however has a distinct, strong floral and sometimes slightly citrusy or herbaceous flavor. Dried whole blooms are best for this use.
Fermented Marigold Flower Beverage
When we have abundant supply of flowers we make a fermented flower beverage that is sparkling and tangy.
Wellness Uses
The discovery of lutein in T. erecta marked a significant shift, emphasizing its role in macular health and preventing aging-related macular degeneration. Clinically, lutein trials reveal cognitive, visual, cardiovascular, and systemic health enhancements, substantiating its potential therapeutic benefits.
Pharmacologically, it demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and anticancer properties. Today, T. erecta is recognized globally for its rich carotenoid content. There is a wide range of research indicating that lutein supplementation improves working memory performance, body composition, and lipid profile in cognitively healthy older adults and middle-aged obese individuals, reducing visceral fat and LDL cholesterol levels. In healthy women, lutein complex supplementation increased biomarkers of ocular blood flow and reduced diastolic blood pressure. In patients with high myopia and healthy adults, lutein significantly increased the optical density of macular pigment, suggesting benefits for eye health, such as improved contrast sensitivity, reduced visual fatigue, and increased nutrient levels in blood and breast milk.1