Marigolds or Tagetes are herbaceous plants from the sunflower family. These are native to the Americas and grow naturally from the southwestern United States into South America. Marigolds usually bloom in different colors, like golden, orange, yellow and white, with maroon highlights. Marigolds are used in many cooking recipes, their taste is citric and goes perfectly with salads and fish.

Direct uses and industrial applications

Since it has a musky, pungent odor, it is often planted next to garden plants such as tomatoes, bell peppers, potato and others in order to ward off unwanted insects and pests.

Marigolds are also used for extracting its essential oil for the manufacturing of perfumes, flavorings and also for food coloring in some European countries.