How to Make Roasted Dandelion Root Tea (aka. Dandelion Root Coffee)

Roasted dandelion root tea has positive health benefits for your liver. It is also a coffee substitute sometimes called dandelion root coffee. It is also a diuretic.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dandelion roots not contaminated by lawn chemicals and fertilizers (so most suburban lawn dandelions should be avoided - try looking in wild areas or on organic farms, or in areas that you know are fr
• small shovel
• scisors or small knife
• oven
• metal baking sheet
• spatula
• oven mits

1. First, you must find some dandelions and their roots. There are a few other plants that look like dandelions, but are actually not. To make sure you have a true dandelion look at its leaves. They should extend from the base of the plant and should be teeth like (like the teeth of a lion - where the plant gets its name). The stem of a true dandelion will be hollow like a vein. Make sure you find dandelions that are not in areas sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, or other chemicals.

2. To get to the root, dig around the base of the flower until you can pull it up fully. Young dandelions will have smaller roots, but a dandelion that has been undisturbed for a few years can have longer finger sized roots, which are perfect for this recipe.

3. Next after you have harvested a good number of roots (depending on how much tea you'd like to make), you must separate the root from the plant (I recommend using scissor or a small knife). You can keep the leaves of the plant if you like, as they can be used in a similar way as spinach and are very good stir fired (The leaves have a high amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron - even more iron and calcium than spinach!)

4. Next, once you have the roots all separate, you need to give them a good wash. Wash them thoroughly several times with hot and cold water to make sure you get all the dirt off. Let them air dry for a while (30 minutes to an hour), or pat them dry with a cloth.

5. Now you can either cut them up into small bits (I like to do these using a large cleaver and cutting board), or you can process them in a food processor until they are similar in side to ground coffee.

6. Next, spread them evenly over your metal baking sheet. Bake for about two hours on 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful to make sure they do not overcook. They will have a strong roasted aroma when finished and will feel dry and crispy. (You might want to turn them over once during the process to make sure they roast evenly)

7. After roasting is complete, carefully remove the baking sheet from oven and let the roots cool. Some like to blend the roots one more time to make the grains more like coffee. I prefer to keep them larger so that they can be used in tea colanders or tea bags. After cooling, you can store them in a tight glass jar or metal container. Its best to drink them sooner (within a few months), as they will begin to loose that good roasted flavor and will have less health benefits over time.

Tips & Warnings

• Share with friends and family! (Be proud that you have harvested, processed, and consumed a product all on your own, the old fashioned way - like our great grandmothers used to do!)
• Be SURE you know what kind of plants you are digging up, don't mistake a dandelion for something else.
• As always consult your health physician before taking any type of herbal medicines (especially if you are taking prescription drugs)
• Don't drink if you are pregnant or nursing
• Avoid dandelions that have been sprayed with any kinds of chemicals!

[yodaandmunch]

on 4/25/2009 How to tell if it is a dandelion root if it hasn't produced the hollowed out stem that the flower grows from?

[PaulMcDaniel]

on 12/4/2008 Sounds like an interesting tea to try!

[Beckybugg]

on 12/2/2008 I dig it. Sounds really good