Dandelions - Friday Foods

Hi Friends,

Today we are talking about harvesting and using Dandelions. Yes, it is called a "weed" by most people, but there are many uses for Dandelions. I harvest the whole plant, dry the root for teas, eat the Spring Leaves in salads, and dry the flowers for teas. The milk sap is also great at killing warts.  

Dandelion Root

• Taraxacum officinale

• Origin: USA

  

  Dandelions have been long used for their herbal and medicinal qualities for centuries. And would you believe that Dandelions are eaten as a delicacy in many countries around the world today? Yes, it's true! That weed in our yards and gardens is good for your health! The Dandelion leaves & roots are chock full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. They are healing and cleansing to the body.

  One can eat the young fresh Spring Greens in salad or eat the older greens blanched like Spinach.  Dandelions are bitter and spicy much like that of Arugula. Many markets sell a "Spring Blend" of young leaves that includes Dandelions.

  

  I have been eating them for as long as I can remember. I had a Great-Grandmother who made Dandelion Wine, though I have never tried to make it, nor have I ever tasted it. But that would be an interesting experimental project!

   

  

  Spring Mix Salad with Dandelions. You can see a couple on the bottom left of the plate.

  
  

  

  Spring Mix Salad with Dandelions.

  
  

  
  

  Here are a few resources:

  https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/dandelion-root/profile

   http://wellnessmama.com/5680/dandelion-herb-profile/

   https://altnature.com/gallery/dandelion.htm

  http://www.freshbitesdaily.com/dandelion-lip-balm/

     https://www.pinterest.com/adrianayyz/natural-world-living/

  I do hope you try something new today! (I am not an MD. or a Nutritionist. I don't claim to be.)

  
  

  Enjoy!

  CJD.Sign