What tastes like marigold?
I'm looking to make Georgian Satsivi (example recipe), which has a complex unique flavour that is hard to describe. The recipe asks for marigold as an ingredient, which I can't find in my area.
I've got no idea what marigold tastes like, but I've got a feeling it's quite important to Satsivi's unique flavour, so I'd prefer to substitute it than just skip it.
I'm looking for a substitute that matches the flavour and I don't mind if the appearance is different. The only relevant discussion I can find speculates that marigold might be used in Georgian cooking for colour as a cheap saffron substitute and suggests tumeric, but that doesn't seem like a great match to satsivi in terms of flavour, and I'm not sure I believe the source.
So, is there anything that tastes similar to marigold?
(and what does marigold taste like, anyway?)
Best Answer
Apparently marigold is quite common in Georgian cooking. I found the following excerpt on this page :
Marigold is the "saffron" of Georgia, and although only a little is used, it does make a difference to the colour and flavour. Now, you might think it might be hard to get the spice marigold in Japan, but you would be wrong! I know of at least 3 sources (1) super-premium organic marigold, (2) reasonably priced marigold tea, and (3) super-cheap marigold petals from my favourite spice shop, Ohtsuya (I am sure I saw the powdered spice in their shop, as well).
Most references I found say that marigold has a citrus flavor as noted below from this link :
Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia - aka T. signata) - The marigold can be used as a substitute for saffron. Also great in salads as they have a citrus flavor.
Also, in looking at recipes for Georgian Satsivi I found several that called for saffron rather than marigold. Personally I would try saffron as I think it would work well with the flavor profile of the sauce.
Pictures about "What tastes like marigold?"
Quick Answer about "What tastes like marigold?"
There are two types of edible marigold flowers: Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem. The flavor sensation is a combination of citrus and tarragon. When you pull the petals from the flower, be sure to trim the pale “heels' of the petals because they are bitter.What is a substitute for marigold?
Plant Coreopsis instead of Marigolds. Not all coreopsis varieties look like marigolds, but many do.Is Calendula the same as marigold?
The simple answer is no, and here's why: Although both are members of the sunflower (Asteraceae) family, marigolds are members of the Tagetes genus, which includes at least 50 species, while calendula are members of the Calendula genus, a smaller genus with only 15 to 20 species.What kind of scent does marigold have?
The name of the plant is derived from "Mary's Gold", a name that was once used to refer to Calendula. The blossom has a musky, pungent scent and it is used as a source of essential oil in the perfume industry, and as a flavoring agent in food and tobacco industry.Can humans eat marigolds?
Marigolds are eaten as petals or leaves, raw or blanched, fresh or dry, sweet or savory. To prepare marigolds: Pull entire petals from the stem, and as you hold them firmly in your hand, with scissors cut off the white (or pale greenish) "heels," as this could give a bitter taste if not removed.Marigolds are Colorful Edible Flowers
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