How to Eat a Dandelion

Originally from Greece, this member of the Compositae family (sunflowers) is now common around the world. The flowers, the petals and the roots are all edible. Discover how this garden "weed" can be easily used in your kitchen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Dandelion
• Rooting tool
• Sharp knife
• Hot water
• Wine-making supplies?

1. Identify the dandelion. Its yellow flower, fractal seed cluster, green, jagged leaves and deep tap root make it easy to identify. Chances are it's growing right in your own back yard. It is always easier to identify plants, even familiar ones, when they are flowering to avoid confusing them with another plant with similar leaves (e.g. plantain).
2. Dandelion wine is an old-timey favorite. I have had the good fortune of tasting this velvety concoction on only one occasion but it was an unforgettable treat. Smooth and tasty. Pick the flowers well before they go to seed, as they will continue to mature for a day or two after they are picked. Use them as the fruit portion of your favorite wine making recipe and follow the directions accordingly.
3. Leaves are best picked when young as they can get bitter later in life. They can be used fresh in salads when they are still young and tender. The French soak dandelion leaves in salt water brine for 30 minutes before cooking them just like spinach. In fact, they taste quite a bit like spinach. They contain 7,000 units of Vitamin A per oz: lettuce contains 1,200 units and carrots contain 1,275 units so the dandelion leaves really pack a punch!. They are also an excellent source of Vitamins B, C and G.
4. The root is considered the "official" plant part of the dandelion. With your rooting tool, dig up the root while the plant is flowering. Second year plants are best for harvesting, as the root is well-established and full of vitamins. Be sure to let a few plants mature to seed so you will have enough new plants in the years to come. The active ingredients of the dandelion root are now used by pharmaceuticals in treatment of many urinary complaints, bleeding ulcers, dyspepsia and rheumatism. It is also a splendid agent for skin diseases because it is so high in Vitamin A. It is also used all over the world as a coffee substitute. Brush dirt off the root when you have pulled it out. Do not wash it, as that may promote the growth of mold and prevent the root from drying properly. Store in a cool, dry place. Use a coffee-grinder (used exclusively for herbs) or a mortar and pestle to grind it into smallish pieces. Prepare an herbal infusion with boiling water, just like tea. Let steep overnight for best effect. Drink daily until conditions ease. You might also try applying this topically with a cloth soaked in the tea for ezcema or other skin problems.

Tips & Warnings

• In Germany, the roots were commonly used as a sedative as early as the 16th century.
• The natural nutritive salt in the dandelion root is 28-parts sodium: an organic balance that purifies the blood and helps treat anemia.
• There are no warning about over-use of dandelion. Still, it is possible to be allergic to anything. Use any herbal remedy with caution until you are entirely certain that you have no adverse affect.