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What are the health benefits of dandelions? How do I forage them? Plus, 24 AMAZING gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dandelion recipes incorporating dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves! Everything from dandelion coffee to dandelion greens to dandelion cupcakes — this healthy, springtime round-up has got it all!
Dandelion Recipes
In case you haven’t heard, that common bright yellow flower you often see popping up come springtime is FULL of incredible health benefits and nutrients. And we’re here to show you that what some people consider a pesky weed, is actually a beautiful vibrant plant ready to transform your health and please your palate with these super special and delicious dandelion recipes!
Notes + Tips for Foraging Dandelions:
Forage dandelions in locations where you are certain they haven’t been sprayed with toxic herbicides. Unfortunately, many consider this amazing plant an unwanted weed and it is commonly sprayed with all sorts of things! Gather from your own property or a friend’s or family member’s property where you are certain this isn’t the case.
Few plants mimic the visual qualities of dandelions, and it is one of the more easily and safely identifiable foraged plants, but if you are uncertain, consult a plant guidebook, or a local herbalist. One thing that sets dandelion apart from some of its mimickers is its sturdy green base right below the yellow flower head.
Every part of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) is edible! Harvest the roots, leaves, and flowers, and try out some of the delicious recipes below!
To harvest the roots: Use a knife or small shovel or spade to gently cut a circle into the ground around a dandelion ensuring you are able to safely and easily pull the roots (and the entire plant out of the ground).
To harvest the leaves: Use a knife to slice the stem just about one inch above the roots. Pinch each leaf off individually.
To harvest the flowers: Use a sharp knife to slice the yellow flower tops off.
To clean dandelions: Place any harvested flowers, leaves, roots, or whole plants into a bowl or sink full of water. Gently swish around to release the debris. Place on a dry tea towel to dry before using.
Dandelion Health Benefits + Nutritional Information
I SO hope you enjoyed learning more about dandelions, their health benefits, how to forage them, and these 24 amazing dandelion recipes! If you found this post beneficial, I would truly appreciate you sharing it on social media! Your support means the world.
24 Dandelion Recipes
Tips for incorporating dandelion roots, flowers, and leaves into delicious dandelion recipes.
Soak the leaves in cold, salted water for 10 or 15 minutes, then cook them in boiling water until tender (no more than five minutes). Finish by sautéing the boiled greens with some olive oil, onion or garlic. Top with Parmesan cheese. Flowers: Dandelions' sunny blossoms give color to a salad.
The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.
Yet what receives somewhat less attention, other than when discussing wine, is the most conspicuous part of the plant – the flower. I enjoy dandelion flowers not just because they taste good, but additionally because they contain nutritional benefits in levels that oftentimes exceed those found in the roots and leaves.
Dandelion could increase the risk of complications for someone who has kidney disease, in particular. Because the potassium in dandelion may impact blood flow and clotting, it's best to avoid dandelion tea if you're taking blood-thinner medication..
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 ).
Dandelion greens are packed with nutrients, but calcium and iron are the most prominent. Raw dandelion greens contain 10% of the DV for each mineral, whereas cooked dandelion greens contain between 11% and 15% of the DV.
Lutein is believed to support brain structure and neural membrane structure, reinforcing the strength and function of these membranes. With a supporting structure, the brain continues to foster an environment for new cells, which is believed to slow the aging process of the brain.
The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance.
Dandelion has a high potassium content, which gives it diuretic properties, which contribute to the removal of water from the body. Thanks to this, you can easily lose up to two kilograms of weight per week, while drinking from 2 to 3 cups of this tea per day.
Not only are dandelion greens safe to eat, but they also provide a range of health benefits. All parts of a dandelion plant are edible, from the top of the yellow flower down to the roots. The green leaves of the dandelion can make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, omelets, and more.
Interestingly, a Korean study found that dandelion may have similar effects on the body as weight loss drug Orlistat. Some data shows that this anti-obesity drug can help reduce the amount of belly fat, the most dangerous fat linked to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, etc.
At first glance, you may consider dandelions to be a “weed”. However, these greens are actually edible and just as healthy and delicious as any other leafy green. They're high in iron, calcium, and plenty of vitamins — with even more iron and protein than spinach!
Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if dandelion is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Dandelions have many potential health benefits. However, many of the claims need additional research to prove the dandelion's effectiveness in humans. Dandelions are rich in antioxidants and could be a healthful addition to a person's diet or daily supplements.
To harvest dandelions, slip a knife into the dirt and cut dandelion root just under the basel rosette. Pop it out of the ground and shake off any dirt or debris clinging to the plant. Although not necessary, dandelions are easiest to clean if you let them soak overnight in a sink full of cold water.
Remove all of the green stems from the base of the dandelion flowers as you pick them. ...
Wash the flowers and shake them dry.
Holding one flower at a time between thumb and forefinger, dip it into a beaten egg and then push it down into cornmeal to which you have added a little salt.
Studies have shown that all the parts of the dandelion plant hold antioxidant properties and natural anti-inflammatories. As inflammation can play a major role in many ailments and diseases, drinking dandelion tea can reduce these risks and generally boost your health for the better.
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