As Día De Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, approaches, I’m sharing some of my favorite marigold recipes. And yes, you can use these vibrant orange and yellow flowers, also known as cempasuchil, for cooking!
Beyond their beauty, marigolds hold deep cultural significance in this annual Mexican celebration, adorning ofrendas (altars) and gravestones to guide the spirits of loved ones back to the world of the living. But are marigolds safe to eat? In this article, I share the best marigold recipes to prepare for Dia de los Muertos and discover how marigolds can enhance the flavors of Day of the Dead traditional food, from pan de muerto to cocktails and marigold deserts, infusing this celebration with their unique charm and taste.
I also share how to use marigolds for cooking safely and what varieties of marigolds are best for use in your Day of the Dead recipes. So get ready to infuse your Día De Los Muertos festivities with the essence of these beautiful Day of the Dead flowers!
The Significance of Marigolds in the Day of the Dead Celebrations
Marigolds, known as “cempasúchil” in Mexico, play a significant role in the Día de los Muertos festivities. Their bright and colorful petals are used to decorate ofrendas (altars) and tombstones, creating a visually striking contrast against the traditional papel picado (paper cutouts) and candles. Beyond their decorative role, marigolds are believed to have a symbolic purpose – their strong aroma is thought to help guide the spirits of deceased loved ones back to the realm of the living during this meaningful celebration.
If you want to know more about marigolds and the part they play in the Dia de los Muertos traditions, check out my article about marigolds and their significance and symbolism for the Day of the Dead.
Can you eat Marigolds?
Yes, you can eat marigolds or cempasuchil. The petals of the marigold flowers are edible. However, it’s important to know what varieties of marigolds are safe to eat. Here is a list of the marigold varieties that are safe for consumption:
- Pot or Common Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
- Mexican, Aztec, African, or Cempasúchil Marigold (Tagetes erecta)
- French Marigold (Tagetes patula)
- Lemon or Signet Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia)
- Field Marigold (C. arvensis)
- Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Look for marigolds labeled as edible or culinary marigolds. These varieties are grown without harmful chemicals, making them safe for consumption. Avoid getting marigolds from garden centers or florists, as they may have pesticides that aren’t food-friendly.
You can also use dried cempasuchil (Aztec marigolds) for your recipes. Many of the recipes in this article use dried marigolds to infuse drinks, desserts, and savory dishes with that delicious and unique marigold flavor.
How to eat Marigolds. Tips for safe consumption of Marigolds
Here are some recommendations for ensuring you are eating marigolds or cempasuchil safely:
- Only use the petals: Many edible flowers can be eaten whole, but in the case of Marigolds only the petals are edible. Pluck the petals from the flower and make sure not to eat the entire flower; you can still use it for decorating your marigold recipes, but do not eat the sepal, pistil, and stamens (the base of the flower and all parts of the flower’s center).
- Go Organic: Whenever possible, use organic marigolds from home gardens or trusted local sources. They are less likely to have pesticides or other non-food-friendly chemicals.
- Wash Thoroughly: Wash marigold petals with care to remove any dirt or contaminants. Soaking them briefly in a baking soda mixture (2 tablespoons of baking soda per liter of water) can help eliminate potential chemical traces.
What Do Marigolds Taste Like?
Cempasuchil, also known as marigolds, can bring vibrant colors and a subtle floral flavor to your cooking. Marigolds have a pleasant citrus-like taste and add a burst of orange and yellow to salads, soups, and other dishes.
Delicious Recipes Using Marigolds (Cempasuchil) for the Day of the Dead
As fall rolls around, people in Mexico and people of Mexican descent all around the globe start preparing their ofrendas for the Day of the Dead. Their offerings are filled with marigolds, the flower we associate with the Day of the Dead, which carries significant cultural importance within these Mexican traditions. However, cempasuchil or marigolds are not only used for ornamental purposes; they can also be used to prepare delicious recipes.
Here are some great recipes you can make using cempasuchil (marigolds) for el Dia de los Muertos:
Marigold Drinks & Cocktails
Easy Cempasuchil (Marigold) Atole
This Day of the Dead recipe for cempasúchil atole is an easy-to-make warm drink perfect for enjoying along with pan de muerto or other traditional Day of the Dead foods for Dia de los Muertos. You can make this easy marigold recipe in thirty minutes or less. The cempasuchil flowers give this atole a unique citrusy flavor and infuse this warm and comforting Mexican hot drink with the symbolism of marigolds for the Day of the Dead.
Marigold Blood Orange Margarita – by Muy Bueno Cooking
These Marigold Blood Orange Margaritas are perfect for a stylish Dia de los Muertos celebration. They blend tangy blood orange juice, marigold-flavored tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice to create a zesty and vibrant cocktail.
Dia de los Muertos Martini – by Sweet Life Bake
This marigold martini captures a vibrant, lightly sweetened, and floral essence. It’s a classic martini variation featuring infused vodka instead of gin and a touch of elderflower liqueur for added floral complexity. The vodka is infused with dried marigolds, giving it a unique twist and making it the perfect Dia de los Muertos cocktail.
Marigold Sangria – by Beijos Events
What better way to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos than sipping on a marigold sangria? Marigolds are used in this cocktail by making marigold tea and adding it to the sangria. Not only is this cocktail easy to make, but it’s also extra fun with dry ice! It’s a perfect choice for your upcoming Halloween party, and you can make as much as you need. Everyone will love sipping on this sangria!
Marigold Desserts
Marigold (Cempasuchil) Flan
Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Día De Los Muertos with a delightful twist on flan, a traditional Day of the Dead food. This easy marigold (cempasuchil) flan recipe infuses the essence of marigold (cempasuchil) flowers into a classic and beloved dessert.
Cempasuchil (Marigold) Cream Filled Pan de Muerto
In this recipe for cempasúchil (marigold) cream-filled pan de muerto, we’re taking the traditional Pan de Muerto to new heights by introducing a unique twist – filling it with a sweet marigold cream. This floral infusion adds a delicate and intriguing flavor to the traditional bread, elevating its symbolic meaning.
Main Dish Recipes Using Marigolds
Marigold Tamales – By Vianney Rodriguez on The Food Network
Marigolds are a very significant part of Day of the Dead celebrations. This recipe puts a unique twist on chicken tamales. These tamales are infused with the essence of marigolds, which are symbolic of Dia de los Muertos and are used to guide departed souls back to their loved ones. These dried Day of the Dead flowers also impart a delightful, earthy aroma and flavor to the chicken filling.
Chicken Salsa Verde Tostadas with Marigold & Onion Garnish – By Sweet Life Bake
These tostadas feature a crispy tortilla base topped with a layer of beans, shredded chicken, and vibrant salsa verde. What sets them apart is the extraordinary garnish of fried onions and marigolds. The marigold’s distinctive flavor and aromatic essence give these tostadas a delightful and unique taste.
Slow Cooker Marigold Chicken Tacos – By Hola Jalapeño
The secret to this unique Day of the Dead taco recipe is adding dried marigolds to the chicken. This gives these chicken tacos an earthy note, which goes beautifully with the honey, lime, serrano chiles, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Marigolds not only add flavor to this dish, but they also add a lot of meaning since marigolds are very symbolic of the Day of the Dead. Their fragrance and color guide our loved ones back to us for a cherished visit on this special Day.
Side Dishes Recipes Using Marigolds
Creamy Marigold Rice – By Sweet Life Bake
This delicious baked rice dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors, infused with the essence of marigolds, known as the “flower of the dead.” It’s a great side dish for your Day of the Dead celebration or dinner.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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