How to Make Healthy Dandelion Coffee

Roasted dandelion root makes a delicious hot beverage that has a slight chocolate taste. Many people prefer the dandelion brew to traditional coffee. You many purchase dandelion coffee at health food store, or you could harvest the root and roast your own. Here’s some tips how to harvest and make healthy dandelion coffee.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cookie sheet
• Wire rack
• Oven
• Scissors
• Chef knife
• Bucket
• hose with nozzle
• Chopping board
• Sink
• Food processor

1. Harvest the root on a day after a hard rain. Look for healthy clumps of dandelions (very leafy); cut the leaves off at the ground with a scissor.

2. Carefully dig the root up with a shovel. Place the shovel at least 2-3 inches away, from root, that way you will not damage the root with your shovel. Work the shovel around to loosen the dirt, and then dig up the roots. Place roots in a bucket.

3. Scrub the roots clean. I put the hose on “jet” and this removes a great deal of the surface dirt. Now for the hidden dirt, you should soak your root in the sink, and use the backside of scrub sponge to clean the roots. Your root is ready when water is clean.

4. Air-dry your roots for 2 hours. Once the roots are dry, you will need to dice the root. Chop the root into ½-inch cubes.

5. Place the diced root into the food processor and grind. Remove the root and spread on a cookie sheet.

6. Roast the ground root in your oven for 2 hours at 250 degrees. When the roasting is finished, allow it to cool on a wire rack.

7. Store your dandelion coffee in a cool, dry location and it is best to keep in an airtight glass jar. Prepare ground roasted dandelion root the same way that you would prepare your favorite ground coffee. Use one teaspoon of root coffee per 6 oz cup of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Harvest the root in the spring or the fall as this is the time when the roots have the highest nutrients.
• Dandelion is actually a vitamin rich herb.
• It is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and essential B vitamins.
• Dandelion roots have higher levels of vitamin A than carrots.
• One cup of dandelion coffee provides 1.5 g protein, 19 mg Vitamin C, 7,700 IU of vitamin A and 103 mg calcium.
• Harvest only pesticide free dandelion

[Merriment]

on 11/24/2009 I have wanted to try a dandelion brew, but had no idea how to do it. Thank you for the great instructions for making a healthy dandelion coffee from start to finish!

[bar10dr98]

on 7/4/2009 Between Dandelion greens salad, wine, and now coffee, I'm beginning to appreciate Mother Nature's overabundance of this wonderful gift! Thanks for the thorough article covering what's soon to become my favorite coffee!

[elaineee]

on 5/25/2009 I love dandelion root coffee.

[uniquechoices]

on 3/18/2009 Now I know what to do with all those dandelions in my yard. Wonderful idea.

[MommyTeach]

on 1/31/2009 This is soooo awesome! I am recommending you!!! 5*