{This post is sponsored by Ball® Fresh Preserving}
Calendula is a beautiful flower that just happens to also be edible and beneficial. It is definitely one that I always have growing in my garden! It reseeds itself readily and comes back year after year without any inputs. The beautiful orange color of calendula flowers make for a lovely iced tea in the spring, especially when served in Ball® Jars!
Ball Canning Ambassador
Before we get to this calendula iced tea recipe, I’m excited to announce that I’ve been chosen as a Ball® Canning Brand Ambassador!
This means that you will be seeing new styles of Ball® Jars as well as old favorites in upcoming posts, along with recipes for canning, fermenting, and more that utilize the mason jars!
I’m so happy for this partnership, and there will be more good stuff to come!
Benefits of Calendula Tea
Calendula has many benefits, but is most known for being highly beneficial for the skin. It is often made into an infused oil that is then used to make calendula salve, calendula lotion bars, calendula cream, or calendula soap.
Beyond being good for the skin, calendula is also edible and delicious! The fresh flowers are wonderful added to shortbread cookies or other yummy treats.
When taken internally, calendula flowers are soothing to the digestive tract and may help with indigestion and heartburn.
Calendula flowers are also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and can help to boost the immune system.
While calendula is safe for children, pregnant women should avoid taking it internally.
This calendula iced tea is a wonderful way to enjoy some of these benefits in a delicious spring drink!
Calendula Iced Tea Recipe
I like to make this tea using fresh calendula flowers from my garden. If you don’t have access to fresh calendula, it can also be made with dried calendula flowers.
Fill a Ball® Wide Mouth Quart Jar with fresh calendula flowers (or halfway full if using dried calendula). Boil some water and pour over the flowers, filling the jar.
Let that steep for several hours or overnight, until the tea comes to room temperature.
Then strain out the calendula flowers, add honey to taste if desired, and pour the tea over ice.
I like to freeze whole calendula flowers (and other edible flowers like wild violet and borage) into ice cubes to make the iced tea even prettier!
Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve!
Can we talk about these new Ball® Flute Jars for a second? They are so pretty, and are great for giving everyday drinks a touch of flair!
They can even be used for canning jams, jellies, and other favorites for a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for gift giving!
If you’re on the go, you can serve this calendula iced tea in a Ball® Sip and Straw Spiral Jar!
These are so handy to have on hand, and they are a great reusable alternative to single use cups and bottles.
You can pick up the Flute Jars and Sip and Straw Spiral Jars at your local Kroger store!
I know you will love this botanical calendula iced tea! It’s simple to make, surprisingly delicious and refreshing, plus full of health benefits.
This is going to be my new favorite warm weather drink! Cheers to spring!
Calendula Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh calendula flowers, loosely packed or 2 cups dried calendula flowers
- 4 cups water
- raw honey to taste, optional
Instructions
- Fill a wide mouth quart jar with fresh calendula flowers (or halfway full if using dried calendula).
- Boil some water and pour over the flowers, filling the jar.
- Let the calendula flowers steep for several hours or overnight, until the tea comes to room temperature.
- Strain out the calendula flowers with a fine mesh sieve.
- Add honey to taste if desired, and pour the tea over ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.
So glad to hear of the Ball Jar ambassadorship! I use them exclusively. Great company paired well with your amazing website. Thank you for all the great info, Colleen! Looking forward to the forage/grow season with you on the East Coast now! (I only found your site last winter)
Sincerely, Poggi
Thank you so much, Poggi! I’m so glad you’re here!
We just planted some calendula. It only has 4 flowers on it currently. Do I just pluck a flower or two off to use in recipes (or is there a better way to harvest them)? Should I wait until it has more flowers before I harvest any? Thank you !!
Hi Holli. You can pluck the flower from the stem as soon as they’re in bloom (don’t wait until they begin to dry and go to seed).
What about making sun tea with the flowers ?
Yes, you could do that too.
Can I just use the petals?
Yes, of course.
I bought the dried calendula and have been using it daily in my tea. I fill a tea pot with boiling water and add about a tablespoon or more of calendula flowers. When my teapot cools a little more, I add a green tea bag and some Jasmine tea leaves. I strain and add add some honey. It’s great!
That sounds delightful, Loretta!
Do you wash the flowers before pouring the boiling water over them?
Yes, you can rinse them if it’s needed.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve never tried Calendula before, mostly due to a lack of access, but I might just have to give it a go now. :)
Also it’s interesting to learn that it can soothe indigestion and heartburn – you’ll mostly hear of the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits more than anything. Great post!
Best wishes,
James
Calendula is my go-to for sore throats, especially swollen glands. I never thought of infusing it like this overnight and having it cool. It would sooth a sore throat so much better!
Thanks!