Safflower
(noun)
A plant (Carthamus tinctorius) in the aster family, which is grown for its oil-rich seeds, as a source of food and as a source of yellow and red dyes.
Origin:
The word 'safflower' is derived from the middle english word 'saffronflower', which refers to the saffron-yellow color of the plant's flowers.
Examples:
- Safflower is a drought-tolerant plant that is grown for its oil-rich seeds, which are high in polyunsaturated fats and low in saturated fats.
- Safflower is also grown as a source of yellow and red dyes, which are used in cosmetics, textiles, and food coloring.
- Safflower is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal and culinary uses.
- Safflower oil is often used in cooking, as it has a high smoke point and is resistant to rancidity, making it a healthier alternative to other cooking oils.
- Safflower is also a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol levels.