How to Dry Calendula Flowers for Medicinal Uses
How to Dry Calendula Flowers?
To dry calendula flowers, start by harvesting the fully opened blooms in the mid morning after the dew has dried.
Harvest every 3 days to ensure peak freshness.
Set the flowers face down on a drying surface like paper towels, newspaper, a screen, a paper plate, or a dehydrator.
Turn them as they dry, especially if using a surface with less airflow.
Calendula flowers don’t take long to dry, but must be completely dry before storing to prevent mold.
Once dry, store the flowers in a container, preferably a glass mason jar, in a dark cabinet.
Dried calendula flowers can be used to make tea, oil infusions, and added to culinary dishes.
Key Points:
- Harvest fully opened calendula blooms in the mid-morning after the dew has dried
- Harvest every 3 days for peak freshness
- Place the flowers face down on a drying surface like paper towels, newspaper, a screen, a paper plate, or a dehydrator
- Turn the flowers as they dry, especially on surfaces with less airflow
- Flowers must be completely dry before storing to prevent mold
- Store dried flowers in a container, preferably a glass mason jar, in a dark cabinet.
Did You Know?
1. Calendula flowers, also known as marigold, were used by the ancient Egyptians in their cooking and medicinal practices.
2. In folklore, it is believed that hanging dried calendula flowers in your home can bring good luck and protection against evil spirits.
3. Calendula flowers have been traditionally used as a natural dye, producing warm and vibrant shades of yellow and orange.
4. The petals of calendula flowers are edible and can be used to add a touch of color and flavor to salads, soups, and tea.
5. Calendula flowers are often used in skincare products due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to soothe and heal the skin.
Harvesting Calendula Flowers For Drying
Calendula flowers are best harvested in the mid-morning when the blooms are fully opened and the dew has dried. Harvesting every three days ensures that the blooms are at their peak. This frequency allows you to gather the flowers when they are fresh and vibrant, maximizing their medicinal properties.
It is recommended to leave any flowers with wilting petals on the plant, as they will produce seeds for future cultivation.
- Harvest in the mid-morning when blooms are fully opened and dew has dried.
- Harvest every three days to ensure peak bloom.
- Leave flowers with wilting petals on the plant to produce seeds for future cultivation.
Different Drying Surfaces For Calendula Flowers
When it comes to drying calendula flowers, there are several options for drying surfaces.
- Paper towels, newspaper, a screen, a paper plate, or even a dehydrator can be used.
- These surfaces provide a stable platform for the flowers to dry on, allowing for proper air circulation and preventing moisture buildup.
- It is important to choose a surface that allows adequate airflow, as this will help facilitate the drying process.
Tip: Choose a drying surface that allows for proper air circulation to facilitate the drying process.
Proper Techniques For Drying Calendula Flowers
Drying calendula flowers is a simple process that starts with setting them face-down on a drying surface. If you are using surfaces with less air flow, like paper towels, it is recommended to turn the flowers as they dry to ensure even drying. The drying time for calendula flowers is relatively short, but it is crucial that they are completely dry before storing them. This step is necessary to prevent mold from forming and spoiling your harvest.
Storing Dried Calendula Flowers
Once the calendula flowers are fully dried, they can be stored in a container. It is essential to ensure that the flowers are completely dry before storing them, as any residual moisture may lead to mold growth. Glass mason jars are the recommended choice for storing dried calendula flowers. These jars are strong, airtight, and can effectively keep out pests. To preserve the quality of the flowers, store them in a dark cabinet away from sunlight. Proper storage will help maintain the potency of the flowers for future use.
- Ensure the flowers are completely dry before storing them
- Use glass mason jars for storage
- Store in a dark cabinet away from sunlight
“Proper storage will help maintain the potency of the flowers for future use.”
Various Uses For Dried Calendula Flowers
Dried calendula flowers have a wide range of uses, making them a valuable addition to your herbal preparations. Calendula flowers can be used to make Calendula Tea, which is known for its skin benefits and its ability to treat ailments like pink eye. Additionally, dried calendula flowers can be used to make calendula oil by steeping them in olive oil. This oil is highly versatile and can be used in healing salves, creams, and lip balms. Moreover, dried calendula flowers can be incorporated into various culinary dishes, such as soups and desserts, adding a vibrant pop of color and a mild floral flavor.
- Dried calendula flowers have skin benefits and can treat ailments like pink eye.
- They can be used to make calendula tea.
- Steeping dried calendula flowers in olive oil can create calendula oil.
- Calendula oil is versatile and can be used in salves, creams, and lip balms.
- Dried calendula flowers can be used in culinary dishes, such as soups and desserts.
Important Considerations When Drying Calendula Flowers
While drying calendula flowers is a straightforward process, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. It is better to leave the flowers for longer than necessary during the drying process to avoid losing all of the dried calendula. The drying time can vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity levels. It is recommended to check the flowers periodically until they are brittle and the petals easily release from the center heads. Lastly, it is crucial to note that calendula should not be used by individuals with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family, pregnant women, or breastfeeding women. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using calendula or any herbal remedy.
In conclusion, drying calendula flowers for medicinal uses is a rewarding endeavor. With the right harvesting techniques, choice of drying surfaces, and proper drying and storage methods, you can enjoy the benefits of calendula flowers all year round. Whether used in teas, oils, or culinary creations, dried calendula flowers offer a plethora of possibilities for enhancing your health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is calendula a good dried flower?
Yes, calendula is an excellent dried flower. Its vibrant color and mild flavor make it a versatile addition to various dishes, both savory and sweet. Beyond its culinary uses, calendula has a long history of medicinal benefits, including improving eyesight, addressing skin conditions, and promoting a positive mood. Therefore, incorporating dried calendula into your recipes not only adds visual appeal and flavor but also offers potential health advantages.
Can you dry calendula seeds off the plant?
Yes, you can absolutely dry calendula seeds off the plant. Calendula flowers, known for their vibrant orange color, can be saved for seed collection by selecting a few favorite blossoms and allowing them to naturally wither on the plant. As the flowers fade, you can observe the growth of seed heads, which will eventually dry out. Patience is key as you wait for the seed heads to fully mature and dry before gently collecting the seeds.
How long do calendula flowers last?
Calendula flowers have an impressive lifespan, blooming continuously throughout the summer and autumn if properly maintained. With the first blooms appearing around 45-60 days after germination, their vibrant display will endure as long as you diligently pick the flowers and dead-head them. By being proactive in their care, you can enjoy the beauty of calendula flowers for an extended period.
What to do with calendula after flowering?
After the colorful flowering of calendula comes to an end, there are several options for its post-flowering care. One approach is to deadhead the spent blooms, which not only helps to maintain a neat appearance but also stimulates the plant to produce more flowers. However, it is important to consider the potential benefits of saving calendula seeds for future sowing. Therefore, it is advisable to leave some flowers to develop into seeds, ensuring the continuation of this vibrant plant in the following year.