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Flowers Pack a Protein Punch: Marigolds as Food?
5 Jul
Summary
- Marigold flowers offer protein comparable to quinoa.
- Their stability makes them ideal for baking applications.
- Researchers suggest edible flowers could be a food source.

Researchers at the University of Georgia have uncovered a surprising potential in marigold flowers, revealing they contain protein comparable to well-known sources like quinoa.
This discovery positions marigolds as a viable plant-based protein alternative. Their resilience to heat makes them particularly suited for baking, expanding their culinary applications beyond traditional uses.
The study highlights the untapped potential of edible flowers, suggesting that these often overlooked plants could contribute significantly to future food formulations and sustainability efforts. Researchers are excited about challenging conventional views on flowers.
Anand Mohan, a key researcher, noted that billions of dollars worth of flowers are discarded annually, proposing that repurposing them for food could be an economically and environmentally beneficial solution.