Dandelions are commonly seen as undesirable weeds, but they have incredible health benefits. We’ll show you how to eat dandelion so you can see this plant in a completely different light.
When it comes to eating dandelions, it’s important that you pick or forage them from the right spots. Many public parks and green spaces spray chemical herbicides on open fields to prevent weeds like dandelions from popping up. These chemicals are not made for human consumption, so you’re best off sourcing your plants from places you know are chemical-free.
If you don’t use any chemicals to treat your lawn, a great source for dandelions is in your own yard or garden. Not only will you have unlimited access, but you also don’t have to share with anyone else foraging for blooms.
Note: No matter where you get your dandelions from, be sure to wash them before consuming.
Why Eat Dandelions?
![the-nutritional-benefits-make-adding-this-plant-to-cc0-pixabay-congerdesign-211219_download The nutritional benefits make adding this plant to your plate a very good idea.](https://images.utopia.org/ry8hAP3JgsxS9DatB9_pDnB_ixB4CSn27WZQwGb60cQ/rt:fill/w:640/h:0/g:sm/plain/2021/12/the-nutritional-benefits-make-adding-this-plant-to-cc0-pixabay-congerdesign-211219_download.jpg)
Dandelions pack a lot of vitamins and minerals into a small package – by some scales, they are even more nutrient-dense than kale or spinach. It helps that the entire plant, from root to flower, is completely edible.
Dandelions are a great source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, along with being chock full of vitamins A, C, and K. Adding this herb to any diet can help stabilize blood sugar, making it especially attractive to diabetics. Other benefits include their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.
However, dandelions aren’t for everyone. If you notice any sort of allergic reaction when eating them, including hives, heartburn, stomach pains, or diarrhea, it’s best to consult a medical professional.
How to Eat Dandelion Roots and Greens
![dandelion-greens-are-some-of-the-healthiest-part-o-cc0-unsplash-christine-siracusa-211219_download Dandelion greens are some of the healthiest part of the plant.](https://images.utopia.org/9Z1LNpD7YcQGI6NJKIDLgNazg8v11rp0c33GHIuRKh4/rt:fill/w:640/h:0/g:sm/plain/2021/12/dandelion-greens-are-some-of-the-healthiest-part-o-cc0-unsplash-christine-siracusa-211219_download.jpg)
As previously mentioned, the entire dandelion plant is edible. Each part of the plant has its own offerings in terms of nutrients – and there are certain ways to prepare each part to make the most of it.
How to Eat Dandelion Roots
To make the best use of the roots, you’ll want to harvest them in the early spring, before the plant shoots up flower stalks. This will ensure that you don’t end up with a bitter taste. Use dandelion roots in the following ways:
- Dandelion tea
- Dry them and grind them for an herbal coffee substitute
- Steam or boil them and serve alongside carrots or parsnips
How to Eat Dandelion Greens
Much like the roots, you’ll want to harvest dandelion greens in the early spring due to better flavor. The leaves of this plant are versatile and can be added to:
- Mixed green salads
- Vegetable stir fry
- Add into a hearty soup or stew
- Sauté or braise them for a unique side dish
- Turn them into a pesto
How to Eat Dandelion Flowers
![dandelion-flowers-can-add-a-pop-of-color-to-salads-cc0-unsplash-timothy-dykes-211219_download Dandelion flowers can add a pop of color to salads and baked goods.](https://images.utopia.org/PRXz2dpAnGeIPnCLw0501k3Zaw6oqFiCbP4e6hHY2xo/rt:fill/w:640/h:0/g:sm/plain/2021/12/dandelion-flowers-can-add-a-pop-of-color-to-salads-cc0-unsplash-timothy-dykes-211219_download.jpg)
Dandelion blooms aren’t the only edible flowers out there, but they certainly are one of the more abundant ones. You can use dandelions as decorations for baked goods and on top of salads, but you can also use them to make items like:
- Dandelion honey
- Bake a batch of dandelion cookies
- Dandelion flower jam
- Toss them in a batter and make dandelion fritters
There are countless ways to enjoy this herb, and plenty of reasons to add them to your menu!
Read more:
- How to Make Homemade Weed Killer from Organic Ingredients
- Stinging Nettle Soup Recipe for Natural Nutrition
- Are Nasturtiums Edible? Growing and Eating This Flowering Plant
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