Other
cockscomb flower.
VegetarianVeganGluten-freeDairy-freeNut-freePeanut-freeSoy-freeEgg-freeShellfish-freeHoney-freeAlcohol-free
ALSO KNOWN AS
mawalcelosia
SERVING
CALORIES
45
PROTEIN
4.7g
CARBS
7.0g
FAT
0.70g
FIBER
3.2g
NUTRITION PROFILE · per 100 g
Everything in this ingredient.
MACRONUTRIENTS
Calories45kcal—
Protein4.7g9%
Carbohydrates7.0g3%
Fiber3.2g11%
Sugar0.50g1%
Total fat0.70g1%
Saturated fat0.10g1%
Trans fat0g—
Cholesterol0mg0%
Water84g—
MINERALS
Sodium20mg1%
Potassium600mg13%
Calcium180mg14%
Iron4.0mg22%
Magnesium65mg15%
Phosphorus50mg4%
Zinc0.90mg8%
Copper0.20mg22%
Manganese0.80mg35%
Selenium0.50µg1%
VITAMINS
Vitamin A290µg32%
Vitamin C40mg44%
Vitamin D0µg0%
Vitamin E2.0mg13%
Vitamin K400µg333%
Thiamin (B1)0.08mg7%
Riboflavin (B2)0.15mg12%
Niacin (B3)0.60mg4%
Pantothenic acid (B5)0.20mg4%
Vitamin B60.20mg12%
Folate (B9)85µg21%
Vitamin B120µg0%
%DV based on a 2,000 cal diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central. A dash in the %DV column means there’s no established Daily Value for that nutrient.
MEASUREMENT CONVERSIONS
How much is what.
1 cup40g
1 oz28.4g
1 lb453.6g
HEALTH BENEFITS
Why eat it.
- ✓Rich in antioxidants, particularly betalains, which help combat oxidative stress.
- ✓Possesses anti-inflammatory properties, used in traditional medicine to reduce inflammation.
- ✓Source of essential nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, and calcium, similar to other amaranth family plants.
- ✓Traditionally used for its astringent properties to treat skin issues like sores and rashes.
COOKING TIPS
In the kitchen.
- 1Use fresh petals as a vibrant, edible garnish for salads, desserts, cakes, and cocktails.
- 2The flowers and young leaves can be cooked similarly to spinach; steam, sauté, or add them to soups and stews for color and mild flavor.
- 3Infuse the flowers in hot water to create a colorful herbal tea or create a simple syrup for drinks.
- 4Gently rinse flowers in cool water and pat dry before use. The flavor is mild, slightly earthy, and peppery.
STORAGE
Keep it fresh.
- Store fresh flowers wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator's crisper drawer for up to 4-5 days.
- For long-term storage, dry the flowers by hanging them upside down in a dark, cool, well-ventilated area. Store dried flowers in an airtight container.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Is cockscomb flower healthy?
Yes, cockscomb flower is highly nutritious. It is rich in antioxidants like betalains, which fight oxidative stress, and provides essential vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium to support immune and bone health.
What is the nutritional profile of cockscomb flower?
Per 100g, cockscomb flower contains approximately 45 calories, 4.7g of protein, 7g of carbohydrates, and only 0.7g of fat. This makes it a low-calorie, high-protein vegetable option compared to many other greens.
Is cockscomb flower good for weight loss?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for weight management. With only 45 calories per 100g and a relatively high protein content for a vegetable, it helps promote satiety while keeping overall calorie intake low.
Is cockscomb flower vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, cockscomb flower is a plant-based vegetable, making it naturally vegan and gluten-free. It is safe for individuals with celiac disease or those following a strict plant-based diet.
Is cockscomb flower keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 7g of total carbohydrates per 100g, cockscomb flower can be incorporated into a ketogenic or low-carb diet. It provides essential micronutrients without significantly impacting daily carbohydrate limits.
How do you cook cockscomb flower?
Cockscomb flowers can be steamed, boiled, or stir-fried similarly to spinach or amaranth greens. They are frequently added to soups and stews or used as a vibrant, edible garnish for various dishes.
What does cockscomb flower taste like?
Cockscomb flower has a mild, slightly earthy flavor very similar to spinach. While the leaves are tender, the flower heads have a unique texture that softens during cooking but retains a slight bite.
Can you eat cockscomb flower raw?
Yes, the young leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads. However, many prefer cooking them to soften the texture and enhance the digestibility of the plant's fiber and nutrients.
How do you store cockscomb flower?
Fresh cockscomb should be stored in the refrigerator, ideally wrapped in a damp paper towel and placed inside a breathable plastic bag. When stored this way, it typically remains fresh for 3 to 5 days.
What are the medicinal benefits of cockscomb flower?
Traditionally, cockscomb is valued for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It has been used in folk medicine to treat skin issues like sores and rashes, as well as to help reduce internal inflammation.
