Can I eat lily stamen?

[blondiewonder]

Was just wondering if its edible and can be used instead if saffron?

[veggiechicken]

Its poisonous to cats - so I wouldn't risk it (not that I'm a cat you understand )

[rustylady]

I wouldn't myself.

Lilies are highly toxic to humans, cats, dogs and goats. The leaves and flowers are where the poison is concentrated, and ingestion can lead to kidney damage. Lily-of-the-Valley is especially toxic as it, like oleander, contains cardiac glycosides and saponins. Another toxic lily is the Peace Lily, also known as the Mauna Loa Peace Lily. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause the tongue to swell and make it difficult to swallow. Wild hyacinth and Star of Bethlehem contain similar poisons and can cause similar reactions.

[mothhawk]

But you can eat day lilies (hemerocallis), so it all depends what you've got. Alliums (onions, garlic et al) are members of the lily family too. You really need to know what your plants are before putting them in your mouth, and if you're not sure, don't!

[veggiechicken]

Was just wondering if its edible and can be used instead if saffron?

If you're looking for a saffron substitute you can use calendula (pot marigold) petals to colour rice. It used to be known as Poor Man's Saffron

[blondiewonder]

How does pot marigold differ from normal marigolds? Might try that as I am a poor (wo)man 😃

[veggiechicken]

Depends on what you mean by normal marigold! Its not the French or the African ones but the English one!!
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/grow...sh%20(Pot).pdf

[fishermann]

Saffron comes from the Crocus Sativus ( Saffron Crocus ) not from Lillies.

Dave