Did you know one of the healthiest plants on earth could be growing in your own backyard? It’s the dandelion plant that many folks don’t give a second thought to seeing.
Dandelions have gotten a bad reputation as a “weed” to be eradicated. However, herbalists and wild foodies prefer to live with nature, not against it. We honor these beautiful wild plants that give us nutritious food and powerful medicine; there are many health benefits of dandelion. Plus, dandelions are an important food source for bees and other pollinators.
Every part of the dandelion can be used for food and medicine, from the delightfully bitter greens to the sunny yellow flowers to the nutrient-rich roots. Here are seven of our favorite recipes with dandelions.
Remember, when harvesting dandelions make sure the area has not been sprayed with chemicals and use ethical foraging and wildcrafting practices.
1. Dandelion Greens Pesto
Young dandelion leaves are a wonderful tonic as they offer lots of nutrition. Everyone will love this delicious dandelion pesto! In case you are new to harvesting dandelions, this article also includes simple tips for making sure you’ve got the right plant.
Get the recipe for Dandelion Pesto »
2. Fermented Dandelion Stems
Don’t waste your dandelion leaf stalks – pickle them! Fermentation is an excellent way to preserve vegetables while increasing the nutrients in your food. These tasty dandelion stems can even help digestion.
Get the recipe for Fermented Dandelion Stems »
3. Dandelion Flower Fritters
This recipe for dandelion flower fritters has two variations: sweet or savory. But really the possibilities are endless with dandelion petals! Also learn how to identify dandelions and how to harvest the best flowers. This is an easy way to eat dandelions.
Get the recipe for Dandelion Fritters »
4. Dandelion Flower Lemonade
To make this refreshing dandelion lemonade, you get to spend a few minutes outside in the sunshine in your favorite dandelion patch gathering fresh dandelion blossoms. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Get the recipe for Dandelion Lemonade »
5. Dandelion Root Tea
This roasted dandelion root tea is creamy and foamy like a latte, and it offers many potential benefits for the liver and heart. You’ll also get a step-by-step guide to harvesting and roasting dandelion roots. Enjoy this tasty dandelion tea with wild dandelion!
Get the recipe for Creamy Roasted Dandelion Root Tea »
6. Dandelion Root Shrub
This shrub is a tangy and refreshing drinking vinegar with aromatic strawberries and mineral-rich dandelion root. Use this delicious shrub as a mixer in water, sparkling water, soda, or even cocktails. Highlighting the rich flavors of edible weeds like dandelion, this delicious shrub makes for a wonderful mixer in water, sparkling water, soda, or even cocktails.
Get the recipe for Dandelion and Strawberry Shrub »
7. Dandelion Root Coffee
Made with dandelion roots, this beverage doesn’t contain the caffeine found in coffee. However, it does have a rich, dark taste similar to coffee. This is a delicious drink to make with an abundance of dandelions — and one of my favorite ways to eat dandelions!
Get the recipe for Dandelion Coffee »
7 Ways to Eat Dandelions
TY! great site & info! how does one get the free download chart of spices & herbs?
It all sounds wonderful except I’m concerned about pesticides. How do you find pesticide free herbs?
Grow your own, or use 100% essential oils love your name
Not common and mine also since1961