Eating Dandelions

Pity the American dandelion. In countries across the world the dandelion is considered a delicious vegetable and is consumed with affection–and dandelion has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. In America, it is most often cursed as an irksome weed and is pulled, poisoned and otherwise generally maligned.

Fortunately, dandelions do have a small and very allegiant cadre of fans here in the States. Along with traditional eaters, a new group of greenmarket enthusiasts, and those interested in foraging and wild greens are taking a shine to dandelions. And for good reason. They are delicious, and hugely healthy.

Nutritionally, dandelion greens and roots are chock full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are one of the most nutritionally dense greens you can eat. Along with the punch of nutrition, they have many medicinal qualities as well. They are potassium-rich and have a strong diuretic quality, as well as efficacy as a blood detoxifier and good for the liver. They have long been used to treat digestive disorders and to treat arthritis and eczema.

Dandelion greens have a reputation for bitterness, but they are nicely so, and the bitterness is balanced by a lovely spiciness similar to arugula. Mature greens can get pretty bitter, but this can be tamed by blanching them.

The time to harvest dandelion greens is early in the spring, when they are their youngest and before they flower. They can be harvested again in late fall as they loose some of their bitterness after a frost. Look for young dandelions growing in rich, moist soil, making sure not to forage close to roads (they can accumulate pollution) or from areas that have been treated with garden chemicals. For a special treat, get out early in spring and look for the crown, which is the cluster of new buds that sits above the taproot. These are the tenderest, sweetest parts of the plant.

Young dandelion greens are tender and delicious served raw in salads or sandwiches. If you use the greens that have been harvested after the plant has flowered, you can blanch them in water to remove the bitterness; dump the bitter water, and blanch them again. You will loose a lot of vitamins this way, but there are still plenty of beneficial nutrients left. Use sauteed or steamed dandelion greens as you would any other greens. Dandelion root can by ground and used as a substitute for coffee, and dandelion flowers can be used in recipes and for garnish.

The French have a well-known soup called creme de pissenlits (cream of dandelion soup), which is easy to make, as is Dandelion Syrup.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Alice G.

4:11PM PST on Nov 14, 2011

A great way to use dandelions is in a green smoothie (blended fruit and greens). The taste of the fruit dominates the greens, so it's delicious and super healthy! Here's a recipe with dandelion that was originally created by Victoria Boutenko.

Ingredients:
½ bunch dandelion greens
2 stalks celery
½ inch fresh ginger root
2 peaches
½ pineapple

Blend the ingredients in a blender, and enjoy! (You may need to add some water if your blender is not very powerful)

You can find a lot more information on edible weeds, wild fruit, and other wild edibles on a Facebook group called Wild Green Smoothies. There are photos and descriptions of different plants (with their health benefits) and even video tutorials. Although the group was originally created for people who wanted to use more wild greens and fruit in their green smoothies, you do not have to drink green smoothies to join. Link: http://www.facebook.com/groups/228529537184607/

send a green star

Sheri P.

6:18PM PDT on Oct 12, 2011

I have loads of dandelions growing in my yard and I know they're edible but for some reason I keep putting off picking 'em. Thanks for the reminder!

Sue G.

5:47AM PDT on Jul 31, 2011

Sounds fascinating. We have loads of dandelions growing on our property as we don't kill them, they and other weeds are left to do as they please. I'll have to give it a try. Thanks

Shirley E.

8:10AM PDT on Jun 10, 2011

I now know more about dandelions than I've gathered in my whole life. The soup sounds intriguing, although not what I'd call hearty ....

6:31AM PDT on Jun 3, 2011

So nice, thank you.

ijaz k.

8:09AM PDT on Jun 2, 2011

Thanks

Linda E.

9:35PM PDT on May 27, 2011

Thank you for this information. I am tempted to try them. I even know where I can find a good supply.

Paula B.

1:53PM PDT on May 23, 2011

I know most of the recipes except for the soup. But I didn't know the health benefits, thanks. I just love the plant. And I have lots of it in my garden, and would never fight it because I love to eat it and I find it pretty!

Susan N.

7:48AM PDT on May 18, 2011

ive had them egged, floured and fried just like wild mushrooms and they are delish.try it, just make sure you clean them as well as you would a mushroom.

Glen W.

11:37AM PDT on May 16, 2011

Wow, they ARE GOOD. I've got a bumper crop of them in my yard. Even the flowers are good.