Tag: Edible gardening

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), calendula is 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for use as a food additive for seasoning or flavoring. However, the safety of calendula depends on proper identification, preparation, and knowing who should avoid it. This guide will explore whether it is safe to eat calendula flowers, covering everything from potential benefits to crucial safety precautions.

Despite their similar appearance, ornamental sweet peas belong to a different genus than edible garden peas, and their seeds are toxic if ingested. This crucial botanical distinction is the key to understanding what peas are not edible and preventing accidental poisoning in your garden.

While many flowers are purely ornamental, certain marigold varieties are edible, with some containing significant levels of beneficial compounds like antioxidants and carotenoids. The key is knowing which types are safe for human consumption, as not all marigolds are created equal.

Did you know that certain species of hibiscus have been used in food and drink for centuries across the globe, far beyond a simple ornamental flower? This comprehensive guide explores what parts of the hibiscus are edible, focusing on the most common and safest varieties for culinary use.

In many parts of Asia and Africa, sweet potato leaves are a highly-prized and healthy culinary vegetable. However, many people are unaware that this leafy green is not only edible but can also be safely consumed without cooking, a practice common in those regions.

According to a recent study, some marigold variants contain bioactive compounds with health benefits, positioning them as potential functional foods. With this in mind, the question is, **are marigolds safe for human consumption?** The answer is yes, for some species, but no, for others, making identification absolutely critical.

Over 500 units of vitamin A are found in just 100 grams of common daisy leaves, demonstrating that some species offer nutritional benefits beyond their visual appeal. Foragers and gardeners are often curious about what kind of daisies are edible, as not all flowers that look like daisies are safe to consume. Knowing which specific types, like the English daisy and Oxeye daisy, are safe to add to your meals is essential before you start incorporating them into your culinary creations.