Growing up, dandelions were always the enemy…
I remember my Dad devoting hours each summer to vigorously spraying them when they would pop up in the yard.
I also remember how annoyed I was during the first spring after we purchased our homestead when I realized the little yellow buggers were ALL OVER the yard and pastures.
Dandelions are a fast-growing competitive perennial that goes from flower to seed in a matter of days. The number of seeds and how easy the fluffy white seeds spread make them hard to keep up with. There is never a short supply of those bright yellow blossoms.
My oh my… how times have changed.
Are Dandelions a Weed or an Herb?
Since my Lamb’s Quarter revelation several years ago, I tend to wholeheartedly agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s perspective on weeds:
“What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.”
Nutrients and Health Benefits of Dandelion Recipes
So, since changing my mindset a bit, I now get giddy when I see the little yellow blossoms pop up all over my yard. Not only are dandelions very edible, but they are alsoincredibly nutritious.
The nutrients found in dandelions rival any leafy greens, they are full of vitamins and minerals. Dandelions contain vitamins A, C, K, Folate, calcium, and potassium.These vitamins and minerals provide those that use dandelion recipes with many different health benefits.
Dandelions Recipes may be able to help:
- Provide Antioxidants
- Reduce Inflammation
- Managing Blood Pressure
- Controlling Blood Sugar
- Lowering Cholesterol
**My one caveat about dandelion recipes is this: if you do plan to harvest dandelions, be very certain that they have NOT been sprayed with any sort of chemical or herbicide. I don’t have to worry about that out here on our homestead, but would definitely think twice before foraging handfuls from your local park or neighbor’s yard.
Do Dandelions Taste Bad?
Each part of the dandelion has its own flavor and it can change slightly depending on how they are prepared. The young flower of dandelion has a sweet almost honey-like flavor, while the greens have a bitter taste that resembles spinach or arugula.
The best time to eat the greens of a dandelion plant is when they are fresh and young as they age the bitter flavor gets stronger. The same goes for the dandelion blooms, when they are first opened is the best time to harvest them. As they age the sweet flavor turns bitter.
18 Dandelion Recipes
Dandelion Roots:
1.Dandelion Root Coffee— I’m dying to try this! Although I will admit, my hubby is a bit skeptical. 😉
2. How toCook Fresh Dandelion Roots— Cook ’em up and eat ’em like carrots.
3.Dandelion Root Herbal Tea— Roast the roots first to add a greater depth of flavor
4.Dandelion Root Tincture— “Dandelion has been used historically to detoxify the kidneys and liver, reduce swelling, fight skin problems, alleviate digestive discomfort, fight fever, improve vision problems, and prevent diabetes…”
5.How to Harvest and Preserve Dandelion Roots for Later— Use your dehydrator to enjoy the benefits of dandelions all year long.
Dandelion Greens
6.Dandelion Greens with Double Garlic— If it has garlic, you just can’t go wrong.
7.Wild Spring Green Pizza— Is this gorgeous or what?!
8. Creamy Quesadillas with Fresh Greens— Make these kid-friendly quesadillas with your favorite foraged, edible green.
9.Dandelion Greens Salad— Mix dandelion greens in with other spring greens for a nutritious salad twist.
10.Dandelion Green and Red Potato Salad— A lovely side dish for a springtime meal
11.Dandelion Pumpkin Seed Pesto— Use those greens as a basil substitute in this unique pesto twist.
12.Wilted Dandelion Greens with Toasted Mustard— An elegant side dish from Nourished Kitchen.
Dandelion Flowers
13.Dandelion Wine Recipe— “Dandelion flower wine was considered so therapeutic to the kidneys and digestive system that it was deemed medicinal even for the ladies…”
14.Dandelion Syrup Recipe— Move over maple! There’s a new syrup in town.
15.Dandelion Blossom Cookies Recipe— I bet your kids won’t be able to figure out the “surprise ingredient”…
16.Dandelion Jelly Recipe— And you can preserve it to enjoy for later too!
17.Fried Dandelion Recipe— Breaded dandelions? Who woulda thought?!
18. Dandelion Salve Recipe— This is not an edible recipe, but it is a great salve that is used for aching muscles and joints.
Are You Ready to Try These Dandelion Recipes?
Dandelions are a great source of vitamins and minerals that provide many health benefits. Start getting excited when you see all of the yellow blossoms start to pop up in your yard. Dandelions are in no short supply so you can continue to try these recipes all summer long. Dandelions are not the only edible plants out there learn the Secrets of Successful Edible Landscaping by listening to the Old-Fashioned on Purpose Podcast.
If natural recipes for your homestead are what you are looking for then you may be interested in my Natural Homesteading Ebook. This ebook is filled with 40+ natural recipes for around the homestead.
Have you already added dandelions to your diet? What is your favorite way to use them?
More Plants and Herbs:
- How to Make Herbal Vinegar
- Top 10 Healing Herbs to Grow
- Chive Blossom Vinegar Recipe
- How to Make Comfrey Salve
