Marigold flowers show potential as a source of plant-based protein

Apr, Wed, 2026
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Our current fascination with high-protein foods means plant-based protein now shows up in many food products. But rather than growing plants just for their protein, researchers wondered if edible flowers—like pot marigolds that are usually composted or thrown away once they’re past their prime—could be a new, sustainable plant-based protein source. So, they measured the protein content and composition of dried marigolds, and they report the results in ACS Food Science & Technology.

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Marigold flowers show potential as a source of plant-based protein
Our current fascination with high-protein foods means plant-based protein now shows up in many food products. But rather than growing plants just for their protein, researchers wondered if edible flowers—like pot marigolds that are usually composted or thrown away once they're past their prime—could be a new, sustainable plant-based protein source. So, they measured the protein content and composition of dried marigolds, and they report the results in ACS Food Science & Technology.
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