Overview

Calendula petals have been eaten since ancient times. Not only is it a visually attractive plant, it also has the texture that holds together when cooked. In Asia is it commonly known as pot marigold and can be found in both farmlands for cultivation, as well as in home gardens. Whether pale yellow, golden orange or lemon coloured, its blossoms make for unique culinary experiences.

Since its culinary benefits were discovered, calendula flowers have been used to colours egg yolks, colours cheeses and give vibrant colours to green salads. Their peppery taste is a perfect substitute for the zing of lemons or acidic elements. It is often added to cream cheese dips for cracker platters. It can also be used as a substitute for saffron – only for the vibrant orange colouring, not the taste. Calendula tea is a very common drink in large parts of the world.

The most important point is that dried herbs and spices can never go bad if they are kept dry. Yes, the potency is lost, but it will still influence the flavor of your cooking.
Seeds, roots, leaves and flowers last longer than crushed or ground herbs and spices. When you are preparing to store your dry herbs and spices it is vital that they are completely dry. A good indication is to rub it with your finger to check if it crumbles. As oxygen degrades dried herbs and spices over time, you should store them in airtight containers. Glass jars with sealable lids are perfect, and so are metal tins. Plastic won’t do for long terms storage. Sunlight also degrades dried herbs and spices; therefore, it should be stored in a dark cabinet that is both cool and dry. If your spice rack is near the stove or cooker, steam will degrade your herbs and spices each time you open the container while cooking. When buying in bulk, you should always store only some of the dried herbs and spices in a glass or metal container. Each time you open it, it is exposed to the elements. When buying in bulk it is useful to label your containers with the purchase date and discard date.