What is calendula?

/Ca•len•du•la/

This orange edible marigold is used in culinary dishes to provide color and mild flavor--often used in salads. It is grown commonly in window boxes, especially in the United Kingdom and Europe. Cosmetically it is used in soaps and lotions for its gentle soothing properties. In India, they are strung on long garlands as decorations for weddings and other celebrations.

We picked this flower to represent our business because of its edible quality, vibrant color and feeling of everyday celebration.

Calendula is owned and operated by Anna Thomson and Catherine Emert. Both women live in Champaign-Urbana area and have family connections to the community, although they have not always lived in Illinois.

Catherine attended NYU and finished her Political Science degree at the University of Illinois. She attended culinary school in San Francisco before returning to Champaign to live.

Anna graduated from culinary school in Portland, OR and studied peace studies in Melbourne, Australia.

The two women met while working in a local restaurant. Catherine was managing the kitchen and Anna supervised the dining room. After leaving the restaurant business, they maintained their friendship and love of food and entertaining.

Catherine and Anna decided to start Calendula Catering to continue enjoying the creative side of entertaining and share their gift for cooking with others.