{recipe} Calendula Citrus Salad

This lovely and simple salad recipe comes to us from Cristina Archila.

Calendula has been shown to speed the healing of wounds most likely because it increases blood flow to the affected area. It contains high amounts of flavonoids and its petals have been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. In the culinary world calendula is used to bring a subtle bittersweet flavor and for coloring instead of saffron.

INGREDIENTS (FOR CALENDULA CITRUS SALAD)
(Makes 4 servings)
4 cups baby arugula
1 orange – peeled and sectioned/supremed
1 grapefruit – peeled and sectioned/supremed
1/4 cup radish sprouts
4-6 calendula flowers – petals only
1 avocado – quartered, peeled, fanned

INGREDIENTS (FOR ORANGE TAHINI DRESSING)
(Makes 1 cup)
1/2 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp tahini
1 calendula flower – petals only
1 Tbsp agave – or substitute with equivalent
-amount of favorite sweetener
1 clove garlic

INSTRUCTIONS (FOR CALENDULA CITRUS SALAD)
To section/supreme an orange or any citrus you must first peel the fruit. Cut off the top and bottom so that the flesh is visible. The orange should sit flat on a cutting board. Cut the skin from top to bottom curving the knife to the orange’s shape. Repeat all the way around until all the peel and pith are gone. Hold the fruit on one hand and carefully cut between the white sections placing your knife as close to the white membrane as possible and slicing almost to the core. The peeled wedges are called orange supremes.

Serve a bed of arugula and an avocado fan on each plate. Top with citrus supremes and radish sprouts, creating as much height as possible on the plate. Sprinkle the calendula petals like confetti and drizzle with dressing.

INSTRUCTIONS (FOR ORANGE TAHINI DRESSING)
To make the dressing blend all the ingredients until smooth. Transfer to a squeeze bottle for a controlled pour. The calendula will produce a bright yellow color that is loaded with antioxidants.

The colorful petals of the calendula have been used on injuries to reduce inflammation and as an antiseptic against infection. Calendula is also known as pot marigold but should not be confused with other plants that are also known as marigolds, such as corn marigold, desert marigold, or marsh marigold or plants of the genus Tagetes.

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