• June 8, 2022

Many Uses for the Humble Dandelion

Many people think that dandelions are a nuisance. This time of year, I always hear people sharing ideas on how to get rid of those damn dandelions and what poisons work best. At the other end of the spectrum, there are those around the world who welcome and accept dandelions as food and medicine. The dandelion is an abundant wild vegetable, highly nutritious and still free. The parts used are mainly the leaves and the root. They are rich in vitamin A, B, C, beta-carotene, minerals and fiber. Dandelions act as a natural diuretic and are a popular blood and liver cleanser. They are also considered a general tonic to help nourish and strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. Dandelions are known to help with anemia, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and jaundice by lowering serum cholesterol and uric acid levels. Dandelions have even eased menopausal symptoms in some. Hot flashes have been linked to liver congestion in certain people. When there is liver congestion, previously used hormones that are ready to be disposed of become trapped in the liver, recycled and used repeatedly, eventually causing toxicity.

Then there are those who love to cook with dandelions. Dr. Peter Gail, founder and president of The Defenders of Dandelions, has researched recipes and folklore about the use of wild plants by people around the world. He has compiled over 3,000 recipes for 105 plants, including over 600 for dandelions. He started eating grass as a child as a survival necessity after a friend introduced them to Gail’s family. In 1994, to promote the use of dandelions, Dr. Gail’s company, Goosefoot Acres, decided to sponsor a national dandelion kitchen in Dover, Ohio. Held the first weekend in May each year, it attracts people from all over the country eager to enter the contest with their favorite dandelion dish.

If you’re ready to go out and pick some dandelion leaves, it’s best to pick the leaves when they’re young and tender, especially if you’re going to be eating them raw. This is before it blooms. After it flowers, simply cut the plant back to the root and in about 2 weeks it will have more tender leaves. This can be done all summer. It can be unhealthy to pick and eat dandelions from soil that has been exposed to repeated herbicide applications. Chris Atzberger of Columbus Ohio has a recipe for Classic Dandelion Salad that serves 4. 1/2 lb. fresh dandelion leaves, chopped, 1 small onion, chopped, 8 oz. chopped fresh mushrooms, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil, half a tablespoon. salt, 0ne eighth t. black pepper. Mix and serve. I also like to mix dandelion greens with my other salad greens. They can also be cooked like any green. I wouldn’t throw the water away after draining it, because that’s where most of the nutrients are. My wife prefers to steam the vegetables in a little water or sauté them in a little olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Here’s a refreshing dandelion tomato appetizer recipe offered by Gail Harshbarger of Akron Ohio that would complement any summer picnic. 15 Roma tomatoes or 8 other tomatoes, half c. onions, finely chopped, 1 clove garlic, finely chopped, 1/4 c. sweet yellow bell pepper diced, one fourth c. sweet red pepper diced, 2 tbsp. dandelion leaves, chopped, 1 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese One-half to three-quarters of a cup c. red wine or Italian dressing, 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite dried herbs, 1 c. Worcestershire sauce, a quarter c. Parmesan. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl except the tomatoes. Chill for 1 hour. Cut the tomatoes in half and scoop out the insides. Fill the tomatoes with the dandelion mixture and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. My wife usually adds what she took out of the tomatoes to the dandelion mixture before chilling. It can also be baked.

Dandelion root is the part most used for medicinal purposes. It can be dug up, dried, cut, and then made into tea. It should be simmered for 30 minutes or so. If you want to enjoy some of the dandelion health benefits but are not that adventurous, you can purchase dandelion tea as well as capsules.

Dandelion root is also used to make a tasty and nutritious coffee substitute called dandy blend. The Dandy mix had a delicious coffee flavor that can also be used in baking or added to vanilla ice cream for a delicious creamy coffee flavor.

When I see dandelions, I admire their beauty and thank them for all their medicinal gifts…so please be kind to your dandelions.

This article provided by Michael Comeau and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *