Health Benefits Of Crown Daisy

The Earth is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, and the daisy is one of them. However, it’s interesting to note that daisies come in many different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. One such variety is the crown daisy.

It is known for its beneficial properties, especially in relation to health. The leaves of the crown daisy, in particular, offer a range of health benefits. They are rich in various nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which play a vital role in supporting overall well-being. These nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of the body and help maintain good health.

Consuming crown daisy leaves can provide essential nutrients that support bodily functions and promote health. They offer a natural and wholesome way to nourish the body. So, let’s explore the different health benefits of crown daisy and its various uses.

What Is Crown Daisy And How Many Types Are There?

Crown Daisy, also known as Glebionis coronaria, is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the daisy family. It is originally from the Mediterranean region but is now grown and found in East Asia and some parts of North America. Crown Daisy is a leafy vegetable that is commonly used in cooking. It goes by various names such as Chrysanthemum greens, Garland chrysanthemum, Edible chrysanthemum, Crown daisy, Chop suey green, Japanese-green, Antimonio, Kikuna, Mirabeles, Moya, Crown marigold, Crowndaisy, and Garden chrysanthemum.

This plant is completes its life cycle in one year. It has a tall, upright stem with many branches. The flowers of Crown Daisy have yellow petals arranged in small groups, and the leaves are either aromatic or divided into lobes. As the flowers mature, they turn into fruits that contain many seeds. These seeds fall to the ground and are carried by insects, eventually germinating into new plants when winter rains arrive. Crown Daisy thrives in mild or slightly cold climates.

Types

Crown daisies come in two varieties: broadleaf and narrowleaf. The broadleaf variety has thicker leaves, making the plants more tolerant of hot summer temperatures. On the other hand, the narrowleaf variety has thinner and more frilly leaves, with plants displaying a brighter green color. The flowers of crown daisies can be found in yellow and white colors.

Crown Daisy’s Health Benefits

Crown Daisy has many health benefits. Here are some of them:

1. Healthy Skin: It is rich in antioxidants and various vitamins, which can help improve skin health, prevent aging, and remove toxins from the skin. It is popular among women for its beneficial effects on skincare.
2. Relief from Constipation: Crown Daisy is high in dietary fiber, making it helpful in relieving constipation. It aids in the elimination of intestinal toxins and promotes the maintenance of normal intestinal flora.
3. Weight Loss: This is beneficial for weight management due to its chlorogenic acid content, which helps slow down the release of glucose into the bloodstream after meals.
4. Improved Digestion: It contains chlorophyll, which supports digestion and can be effective against constipation. Boiled Crown Daisy is known to provide comfort to the stomach, making it a suitable choice for breakfast or for individuals with specific dietary needs.
5. Blood Pressure Regulation: Consuming this helps regulate blood pressure by promoting the excretion of potassium and sodium from the blood vessels. It can be beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure.
6. Gastrointestinal Health: It’s rich mineral and vitamin content enhances digestive function and helps prevent stomach diseases. It is particularly helpful for individuals experiencing a loss of appetite.
7. Vision Enhancement: Abundant in vitamin A, Crown Daisy is beneficial for eye health. It can improve eyesight and provide protection for the eyes. The beta-carotene present in this contributes to the absorption of nutrients that support eye health.

So, Crown Daisy offers several health benefits, and adding this vegetable to your diet can contribute to overall well-being.

Can We Eat Crown Daisy?

Crown Daisy is an edible plant, and both its leaves and flowers are safe to eat. While many other daisies are grown mainly for their attractive flowers, Crown Daisy is primarily cultivated for its culinary value. The leaves of the plant have a distinctive flavor that combines bitterness, sweetness, and a hint of pepperiness, making them a unique and flavorful addition to various dishes. The greens of the plant are the most commonly used part in cooking.

When it comes to enjoying Crown Daisy, there are several ways to incorporate it into your meals. The leaves can be consumed fresh, adding a refreshing and vibrant element to salads. They provide a unique taste profile that can elevate the overall flavor of the dish. Alternatively, the leaves can be cooked as greens, allowing their flavors to deepen and develop. Cooking methods such as sautéing, steaming, or stir-frying can help bring out the best of Crown Daisy’s flavors and textures.

Whether consumed raw or cooked, Crown Daisy leaves offer a distinct taste that sets them apart from other greens. They provide a refreshing bitterness, a subtle sweetness, and a touch of spiciness, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Culinary Uses

The greens from the Crown Daisy plant are widely used in various Asian dishes. In China, they are known as Cantonese tong hao and are commonly used in stir-fries, stews, casseroles, and hotpots across different Chinese cuisines.

In Japanese cuisine, they are referred to as “spring chrysanthemum” and are used in dishes like nabemono (hot pot dishes), rice dishes, and as a side dish with soy sauce and sesame seeds.

In Korean cuisine, the greens are utilized in soups, stews, and as a side dish called banchan. When added to a hotpot, they are typically put in at the very end to prevent overcooking.

These versatile greens add a unique flavor and texture to these dishes and are a popular choice in Asian cooking.

How To Grow Crown Daisy

It’s growing is easy and requires just a few considerations. Here are some tips for successful cultivation:

1. Spacing: Avoid overcrowding by thinning out small plants to 4 to 6 inches apart, and taller plants to 10 to 12 inches apart. This allows them enough room to grow and thrive.
2. Harvesting: You can harvest these leaves when they are young and tender or wait until they are fully mature, depending on your preference.
3. Light: It can be grown in full sun or partial shade. If you are primarily interested in the leaves, shade is sufficient. However, for promoting flowering, plant them in a sunny location.
4. Soil: Crown Daisy adapts well to different soil types, as long as it is well-drained, moist (but not waterlogged), and rich in nutrients and organic matter.
5. Water: Young seedlings require consistently moist soil. Water them regularly if there is no rainfall. Once the plants are established, they only need watering during dry periods.
6. Temperature and Humidity: This is not frost-tender and can tolerate temperatures between 68 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in hot summer weather, the plant may flower prematurely.
7. Fertilizer: If the soil is initially fertile and rich in organic matter, there is usually no need for additional fertilization.

By following these simple guidelines, you can grow Crown Daisy successfully and enjoy its delicious and nutritious leaves.

Takeaway

Crown Daisy, is an edible plant with bittersweet and peppery leaves. When taken as part of a healthy diet, it offers numerous health benefits, including improved skin health, relief from constipation, enhanced digestion, regulation of blood pressure, gastrointestinal health support, and vision enhancement. Both the leaves and flowers are safe to eat, with the leaves being the most commonly used part in cooking.

This is widely used in Asian cuisine, such as in Chinese stir-fries and hotpots, Japanese nabemono and rice dishes, and Korean soups and side dishes. Growing Crown Daisy is straightforward, requiring proper spacing, harvesting at the desired stage, suitable lighting and soil conditions, appropriate watering, and considering temperature preferences.