I remember my Dad devoting hours each summer to vigorously spraying them when they would pop up in the yard.
I also remember how annoyed I was during the first spring after we purchased our homestead when I realized the little yellow buggers were ALL OVER the yard and pastures.
Dandelions are a fast-growing competitive perennial that goes from flower to seed in a matter of days. The number of seeds and how easy the fluffy white seeds spread make them hard to keep up with. There is never a short supply of those bright yellow blossoms.
My oh my… how times have changed.
Are Dandelions a Weed or an Herb?
Since my Lamb’s Quarter revelation several years ago, I tend to wholeheartedly agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s perspective on weeds:
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
Nutrients and Health Benefits of Dandelion Recipes
So, since changing my mindset a bit, I now get giddy when I see the little yellow blossoms pop up all over my yard. Not only are dandelions very edible, but they are alsoincredibly nutritious.
The nutrients found in dandelions rival any leafy greens, they are full of vitamins and minerals. Dandelions contain vitamins A, C, K, Folate, calcium, and potassium.These vitamins and minerals provide those that use dandelion recipes with many different health benefits.
**My one caveat about dandelion recipes is this: if you do plan to harvest dandelions, be very certain that they have NOT been sprayed with any sort of chemical or herbicide. I don’t have to worry about that out here on our homestead, but would definitely think twice before foraging handfuls from your local park or neighbor’s yard.
Do Dandelions Taste Bad?
Each part of the dandelion has its own flavor and it can change slightly depending on how they are prepared. The young flower of dandelion has a sweet almost honey-like flavor, while the greens have a bitter taste that resembles spinach or arugula.
The best time to eat the greens of a dandelion plant is when they are fresh and young as they age the bitter flavor gets stronger. The same goes for the dandelion blooms, when they are first opened is the best time to harvest them. As they age the sweet flavor turns bitter.
18 Dandelion Recipes
Dandelion Roots:
1.Dandelion Root Coffee— I’m dying to try this! Although I will admit, my hubby is a bit skeptical. 😉
4.Dandelion Root Tincture— “Dandelion has been used historically to detoxify the kidneys and liver, reduce swelling, fight skin problems, alleviate digestive discomfort, fight fever, improve vision problems, and prevent diabetes…”
13.Dandelion Wine Recipe— “Dandelion flower wine was considered so therapeutic to the kidneys and digestive system that it was deemed medicinal even for the ladies…”
18. Dandelion Salve Recipe— This is not an edible recipe, but it is a great salve that is used for aching muscles and joints.
Are You Ready to Try These Dandelion Recipes?
Dandelions are a great source of vitamins and minerals that provide many health benefits. Start getting excited when you see all of the yellow blossoms start to pop up in your yard. Dandelions are in no short supply so you can continue to try these recipes all summer long. Dandelions are not the only edible plants out there learn the Secrets of Successful Edible Landscaping by listening to the Old-Fashioned on Purpose Podcast.
If natural recipes for your homestead are what you are looking for then you may be interested in my Natural Homesteading Ebook. This ebook is filled with 40+ natural recipes for around the homestead.
Have you already added dandelions to your diet? What is your favorite way to use them?
In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.
In addition to its flavor qualities, dandelion is traditionally used in infusions and decoctions as aperitif, tonic, and stimulant; however, studies suggest only a minor effect [17]. It has also been used for many centuries as a remedy for kidney, liver, and gallbladder disorders [27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34].
All parts of a dandelion plant are edible, from the top of the yellow flower down to the roots. The green leaves of the dandelion can make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, omelets, and more.
Dandelion tea is high in vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which boost the immune system and encourages healthy cell growth. It also helps our eyesight and reduces the signs of premature aging. Dandelions are also brightened with vitamin K which helps bone health and is essential to blood clotting.
If you're being treated for liver or kidney issues, you should avoid consuming dandelion or dandelion tea except with their doctor's permission. Dandelion could increase the risk of complications for someone who has kidney disease, in particular.
You can drink dandelion tea every day. “Recommendations are two to three times a day,” says Geib. “Start your day with a cup of dandelion root tea and build it up slowly. Its diuretic properties can increase urination, so go gentle and let your body adjust to it first.”
Interestingly, a Korean study found that dandelion may have similar effects on the body as weight loss drug Orlistat. Some data shows that this anti-obesity drug can help reduce the amount of belly fat, the most dangerous fat linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, etc.
Soak the leaves in cold, salted water for 10 or 15 minutes, then cook them in boiling water until tender (no more than five minutes). Finish by sautéing the boiled greens with some olive oil, onion or garlic. Top with Parmesan cheese. Flowers: Dandelions' sunny blossoms give color to a salad.
According to Keene, many people drink dandelion tea daily (with some drinking it up to four times per day). “[Drinking dandelion tea] any time of day is completely fine because it is caffeine-free, but there are two times of the day I would recommend not having it,” instructs Ross.
Dandelions are a good source of food for humans and animals, require little fertilizer and water, and prevent soil erosion. Grass lawns use energy, fertilizer and water, that is wasteful.
Because the average everywhere in the U.S. considers dandelions to be weeds and will spray weed killer on them within an inch of their lives. And you may well get sick. If it hasn't been sprayed with weed killer (or similar products), they're good in teas and salads. And yes, they're edible.
You can harvest the flowers, leaves and roots each spring or fall and store for later use by drying the plant parts. There are several ways to dry dandelions for tea. You can simply leave the dandelions out in the sun to dry them and prevent oxidation.
While dandelion is not traditionally known as a sleep-inducing food, we have found using the liver-cleansing properties of dandelion to be a valuable aid in helping sleep. A healthy liver will balance blood sugar. Blood sugar fluctuations and drops are a major factor in insomnia and waking at night.
Chamomile is long thought to be a soothing, calming tea. Indeed, research suggests that long-term use of chamomile can reduce anxiety symptoms. Dandelion root tea isn't often considered a calming tea, but if you've been stressed out for a long time, dandelion tea may be exactly what you need.
Dandelion leaf is a safe and gentle herb for stimulating the kidneys and helping them to function efficiently. It contains bitter glycosides, carotenoids, potassium, iron and other minerals, and is regularly used by herbalists to treat fluid retention which often causes swollen ankles and generally puffy skin.
“[Drinking dandelion tea] any time of day is completely fine because it is caffeine-free, but there are two times of the day I would recommend not having it,” instructs Ross. “First is right before bed, because it is a diuretic and you don't want to be up in the bathroom all night ...
By supporting bile production, we're literally supporting oestrogen removal. It can help improve liver function. The liver works in two phases, phase 1 and phase 2, if either of these phases aren't working properly, oestrogen detoxification will be impaired, so dandelion tea is giving this a little boost.
Introduction: My name is Dean Jakubowski Ret, I am a enthusiastic, friendly, homely, handsome, zealous, brainy, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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