Dandelion ~ Root Coffee Recipe
~ Dandelion ~ Taraxacum Officinale ~
Deriving it's name from the French 'Dent de Lion' meaning 'Lion's teeth', Dandelion has decidedly jagged teeth like a lion, and most of the tips of these teeth point downwards towards the ground (unlike most of the lookalikes).
Dandelion takes some getting used to due to it's extremely bitter taste, however as you mayknow many bitter foods are incredibly good for us (especially our digestive system) and Dandelion is touted as one of the most nutritious greens on the planet, with a wealth of medicinal virtues.
Containing higher levels of iron, riboflavin, and vitamin E than cultivated greens. It also contains Vitamins A, B, C, D. High in Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Nickel, Cobalt, Tin, Copper & Zinc.
Dandelion has diuretic & laxative properties.
It assists with processes to cleanse the blood & eliminate toxins, which helps with treating all manner of skin conditions.
Dandelion root is commonly used as a kidney and liver tonic. It helps stimulate bile production in the liver, which aids in digestion (especially of fats) and detoxification.
Dandelion also acts as a natural diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water and toxins from the body. Unlike synthetic diuretics, dandelion is rich in potassium, which prevents potassium deficiency—a common side effect of pharmaceutical diuretics. Dandelion
Nature really does know how to maintain natural balance as pharmaceutical diuretics deplete the body of potassium.
You can eat every part of Dandelion, Flowers, Buds, Leaves & Roots.
Slice the young leaves fine & eat raw, or cook like spinach. The younger the leaf the more tasty, the older it gets, the more bitter.
One way to enjoy Dandelion leaves is to finely slice the raw leaves, then dress with crushed garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper. Eat this after a heavy meal to aid digestion. If cooking use small amounts as the bitter flavor is hard to hide.
Buds can be eaten raw or fried in a batter.
The flowers are deliciously sweet, make a colorful garnish to salads, and can be used to infuse cordials, syrups and even make a vegan style honey.
The roots can be dug, washed, dried, chopped & roasted to make a coffee substitute, here's a simple recipe:
Dandelion Root Coffee
~ Dig up fresh Dandelion roots with a strong fork (dig deep to ensure you don't lose the roots in the soil).
~ Chop off the leaves (and use them in a salad).
~ Scrub the roots very well to remove all the dirt.
~ Chop roots finely into small pieces.
~ Lay roots out on an oven tray and roast at 120-150°C for 20-30 minutes until well browned.
~ Once cool, store in an airtight jar until needed.
~ To use, grind finely in a coffee grinder.
~ Add 6 tablespoons of ground roots + 500mls of water to a pot.
~ Cover, bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 20-30 minutes.
~ Strain and drink. Add milk as desired.
You'll learn even more about Dandelion, along with other wild edible plants that flourish during the Hot Season, in my Hot Season Foraging Guide.
Grab yours here: www.homegrownbotanica.co.nz