Dandelions are more than a pesky weed in your lawn.
If you have a yard, you know it’s dandelion season. While many people spend both time and money trying to eliminate the dandelion weed, they are actually a free healthy food that could be added to one’s diet. Just like other dark leafy greens, dandlions are rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin A. One cup of dandelion greens contains almost twice as much iron as spinach, and over 500 percent of your daily intake of vitamin K, which may play a role in fighting Alzheimer’s disease. The leaves, however, are not the only edible plant part. The flowers and roots are also edible, and root extract has been shown, in some studies, to fight certain types of cancer. While there are many ways to consume the three edible parts of dandelions, Michigan State University Extension recommends trying the following:
Dandelion green salad
This is the most simple way to use dandelion greens. Simply pick young greens (older ones are more bitter) and add them to a tossed salad. While you can make a salad out of just the dandelion greens, it tends to be too bitter for many people, especially kids.
Sauteed greens
Cooking dandelions eliminates some of the bitterness. First boil the greens for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a pan with hot olive oil and garlic, and sautee for 3-5 minutes. Eat as is or add to other dishes like pasta or scrambled eggs.
Dandelion fritters
Collect flower heads and wash them. Then batter in a flour, egg, and milk batter mix. Add to a pan with hot oil and cook until brown, just like pancakes. Serve with a drizzle of honey or applesauce.
Baking with dandelion petals
The petals of the flower are extremely versatile. Collect flower heads and then remove the petals from the heads. These can be stored in a plastic bag in the freezer for longer keeping. Add petals to just about anything you can bake like muffins, bread, cookies or quiche. They can also be added to things like hamburgers. The amount to use varies on your personal liking. Try adding a cup of petals to the mix the next time you make muffins or burgers.
Dandelion root coffee/tea
This by far the most labor-intensive use of dandelion but some say its worth the effort. Collect and wash dandelion roots. Chop or food process the roots and dry in a food dehydrator or the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit until thoroughly dry. Once dry, roast them in the oven at 350 F until they turn brown (but not burnt). Put roots and water in a pan and bring to boil (2 Tbs root to 16 oz water), then simmer for 20 minutes. Strain and drink.
There are a few food safety details that are also important when harvesting dandelions or other wild greens. Make sure to only harvest from areas that you are certain have not been treated with chemicals such as fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides. Also avoid high traffic areas like trails, roadways or animal/pet areas. Always wash dandelion greens, flowers and roots before preparing. A salad spinner works great to get excess water off leaves and flowers before cooking. Store any harvested parts in the fridge if they’re not going to be used right away. Get out there before you mow the lawn and collect some delicious, nutritious dandelions.
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FAQs
How to eat dandelions
- Greens: Dandelion leaves are on the bitter side, but they have a spicy kick similar to arugula. Try tossing some fresh, washed leaves into a salad. ...
- Flowers: Dandelions' sunny blossoms give color to a salad. ...
- Roots: Roasted dandelion roots are used in a tasty drink similar to coffee.
2 Every part of this flowering herb, from the roots to the bright-yellow blossoms, can be eaten raw or cooked. Dandelion leaves can be harvested at any point in the growing season, and while the youngest leaves are considered to be less bitter and more palatable raw, the bigger leaves make delightful salad additions.
How do you clean dandelions before eating? ›
Cleaning Dandelions
Swish the greens around in a deep pan through several changes of water. Then, cut open the crowns without severing the leaves and scrape debris from each rosette before submerging the greens for a final rinse. Washed dandelion greens.
When should you not eat dandelions? ›
In some people, dandelion can cause increased stomach acid and heartburn. It may also irritate the skin. People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should consult their doctors before eating dandelion.
Are dandelions 100% edible? ›
Dandelions are entirely safe to eat, and all parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and flowers, are edible.
Is it better to eat dandelions raw or cooked? ›
Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins. Dandelion greens provide several minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium ( 1 ).
What to do with dandelions after picking? ›
Harvest by picking off the small leaves and eating straight away. Be sure to wash dandelion greens well, and steer clear of picking them out of public lawns. Those areas are too heavily sprayed with chemicals to warrant eating. Use dandelion greens in salads, or cook them in a sauté.
Can you cook dandelions and eat them? ›
Dandelion greens can be used just as you might cook with kale, chard, mustard greens, or spinach. Depending on the size of the leaves, you may need to cook the larger, heartier greens for a little longer to allow them to break down.
How do you take the bitterness out of dandelions? ›
If still bitter, leave the greens in the boiling water. Sample again after five minutes. If still bitter, consider transferring them into a second pot of boiling water for three to five minutes.
Does dandelion cleanse the body? ›
It helps to detox the liver, gallbladder, kidneys and blood, and also regulate bowel motions. The root is used for the liver and colon and the leaves are used as a diuretic to gently flush toxins through the kidneys. Dandelion is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which helps protect cells from toxin damage.
Prepare the dandelion flowers ahead of time by submerging them in a bowl of room-temperature water with about 1 tablespoon salt added to the water. This rids the flowers of any insects that could be in the blossoms. Soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse the flowers in fresh water.
What part of the dandelion flower do you eat? ›
Dandelions are edible weeds. Every part of the dandelion is edible: the flower, roots, stems, and leaves. Dandelion greens slightly resemble arugula, though longer, and have a similar spicy and bitter taste. You can harvest the blooms and leaves to make salads and sautéed dishes and use the roots to make tea.
How do you make dandelion taste good? ›
Cooking dandelions eliminates some of the bitterness. First boil the greens for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a pan with hot olive oil and garlic, and sautee for 3-5 minutes. Eat as is or add to other dishes like pasta or scrambled eggs.
