Can’t Beat them? Eat them! Uses and Recipes for Dandelions

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

“Some see a weed, some see a wish.” – Unknown

Last year I worked at one of those big box home improvement stores for about two months. My station was the outdoor lawn and garden department. I thought it would be a great side job until it turned into more than a full-time job. I was good at it and my manager loved me, but I wasn’t ready to commit my life over again to another job.

Needless to say, I quit.

Another driving factor for my leaving was the pesticide aisle. This was my least favorite place to be, yet I found myself restocking shelves all day long. I always found it funny (not funny haha) that these poisons get handed out to the general public. It’s not as if anyone teaches us how to use them in a safe and correct way. Pesticides are a last resort around my house.

So what does this have to do with recipes for dandelions or dandelions in general? People would often ask me how to get rid of dandelions and I would tell them to eat them. Of course, I did so in a playful way but I was serious!

I get it, eating dandelions makes you feel a little weird. But did you know they are full of benefits? People have been using dandelions for their many benefits since ancient times.

Are dandelions weeds or flowers?

This depends on who you ask. A weed is a nuisance plant growing where someone doesn’t want it. So with that definition in mind, any plant could be a weed. Dandelions are flowers because they produce a beautiful yellow flower.

What is rather interesting is that dandelions are actually perennial herbs. Who knew!

How to identify dandelions

Dandelions are great for beginning foragers to spot and they grow everywhere! They have yellow flowers and lobed basal leaves. Basal leaves grow from the bottom of the stem which protects the root when the top part of the plant dies. Dandelions have a single, non-branching hollow stem. The leaves produce milky sap.

When the dandelion goes to seed, the flower or head turns into a white fluffball. These seeds get carried off by the wind and become a new dandelion plant.

Dandelion look-alikes

Two plants resemble dandelions and the good news is neither is toxic.

1. Sow Thistle – They have yellow flowers like a dandelion, but they have many flowers instead of one. The stems are not hollow and the leaves grow up the whole stalk as opposed to at the base. Sow thistle also has prickly spines.
2. Catsears or Flatweed –  They have yellow flowers like a dandelion but the stems branch and are not hollow. Their leaves are hairy and with deep notches. Called false dandelions because their flower heads also turn into white fluffballs.

Where to find dandelions

Dandelions grow all over the world. You can find them in lawns, gardens, meadows, and parks. I’ve even seen them growing up through a crack in the sidewalk. They prefer shade but will do well in direct sun as well. The dandelion peaks in spring and fall but grows year-round in warmer climates.

How to harvest dandelions

All parts of the dandelion plant are edible. This includes the flower, leaves, and even the root.

Things to consider when harvesting

1. First, be sure to pick where pesticides and other chemicals are not present. People have an aversion to dandelions that I have yet to understand. They spray them to banish them and that makes the dandelion unsafe to consume. I find my backyard to be the safest place to harvest dandelions because I don’t use chemicals.
2. Pick flowers in the late morning when blooms are fully open.
3. Harvest in early spring when dandelions are most tender.
4. Large dandelion leaves with fewer lobes are better tasting.
5. Harvest dandelion root in the fall for a sweeter taste and in the spring if you things bitter. In the fall they are higher in inulin which is good for diabetics. The bitterness they offer in the spring is great for digestion.
6. Use a drying screen to dehydrate or remove excess moisture from the flowers. If you’re not using the flowers immediately you can freeze them for later use. Limit 1-2 days drying time or your flowers will turn into fluffballs, At which point, just blow and make a wish!
7. To dehydrate the root in the oven, set the temperature to 200 degrees for 4 hours. You can also use a dehydrator at 95 degrees for 12 hours or lay in a cool, dry place until the roots become brittle.

What are the benefits of dandelions?

Dandelions are amazing and have many wonderful health benefits. Here are a few.

• Dandelions are a great source of Vitamins K, A, C, E, and B.
• Rich in nutrients-  folate, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• Great source of inulin as soluble fiber. This supports the gut.
• Loaded with antioxidants that neutralize or prevent the negative effects of free radicals. Free radicals are destructive, but a natural product of the body’s normal metabolism.
• High levels of the antioxidant beta-carotene protect against cellular damage.
• Rich in polyphenols. The highest concentrations are in the flower but exist throughout the entire plant.
• Dandelions may help control blood sugar, reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. They may promote healthy liver, aid in weight loss, and fight cancer. Dandelions may also support healthy bones, and treat acne, sunlight damage, and aging. Whew! That was a mouthful!
• Dandelions aid digestion, help UTIs, stimulate appetite, and may help inflammation. They are also diuretic.
• Dandelions contain more protein than spinach and the best source of protein is the root.

Edible uses of dandelions

• Dandelion flowers and leaves are good both cooked or raw.
• Greens are great as a salad or mixed into a salad. You can make a pesto with them or cook them as you would any other leafy green.
• Flowers are best enjoyed as a tea, made into jelly, wine, or mead. You can put them in your baked goods or add them as a garnish to any salad.
• Roast the root to make a coffee or tea substitute. You can buy the coffee too if you don’t feel like making it.

Edible recipes for dandelions

• Dandelion coffee – We are planning to make this in the fall. Look out for our post then!
• Dandelion wine
• Dandelion tart
• Dandelion salad
• Wild spring green pizza
• Dandelion fritters – Nikki made this one recently and even the kids loved it! Dandelions dipped in ketchup anyone?

Medicinal uses of dandelions

• Make into a salve to aid dry skin and sore muscles.
• Prepare a tincture to take daily.
• Make a dandelion infusion.
• Take in capsule form. Gaia herbs is a great company that also makes an herbal extract dandelion supplement.
• Make a dandelion poultice for the skin.
• Drink as a tea. Make your own with this recipe or buy it for convenience.

Medicinal recipes for dandelions

• Dandelion salve
• Dandelion tincture
• Dandelion poultice

 

Are dandelions safe to ingest?

Now that you’ve learned so much about dandelion you’re probably ready to run out and start foraging but may be asking yourself if it’s safe. The truth is while dandelions have low toxicity and are 100% safe for most people, there are some side effects. You should always consult a physician before adding any new supplement to your diet to see what’s right for you.

Possible side effects include

• People who are allergic to ragweed may have an allergic reaction to dandelion.
• Contact dermatitis may develop in people with sensitive skin.
• Dandelions may react with some medications such as antibiotics and diuretics.
• Peeing a lot. Dandelion is a diuretic.

Final Thoughts

The dandelion is a weed to so many, but in reality, it is full of vital nutrients and health benefits. I do think this may be changing considering the fact you can even buy dandelion greens in the store now. We received dandelion greens in our CSA last week. 

To me, dandelions are pretty and I don’t worry about getting rid of them. Buttercups and dandelions always have a place in my yard. I hope after reading this you’ll think twice before getting rid of them. Instead, pick up a dandelion fluffball and make a wish for your best and healthy life.

For other great foraging recipes, check out Edible and Medicinal Wild Plants of Britain and Ireland by Robin Harford.

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know how you use dandelion as part of your health routine.