What is the safflower plant?

The safflower started out as a weed and graduated to a valuable cultivated crop plant. It is a member of the daisy plant family and somewhat resembles a tall thistle. The plant may be three feet tall and in high summer its spikes are topped with fuzzy flowers ranging from white to ruby red. For centuries the safflower was grown for its juices which yield a red dye. It was cultivated in Asia, Africa and Europe and now finds a home in the western part of North America.

Nowadays, the value of the safflower is in its seeds. They yield a very pure oil which many experts claim to be a lot better for us than butter fats. Certain cooking oils and margarines are made from safflower oil. Meal for cattle feed also is made from the rich seeds of the safflower.