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What are the health benefits of dandelions? How do I forage them? Plus, 24 AMAZING gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan recipes incorporating dandelion roots, flowers and leaves! Everything from dandelion coffee to dandelion greens to dandelion cupcakes — this healthy, springtime round-up has got it all!
Dandelion Recipes
In case you haven’t heard, that common bright yellow flower you often see popping up come springtime is FULL of incredible health benefits and nutrients. And we’re here to show you that what some people consider a pesky weed, is actually a beautiful vibrant plant ready to transform your health and please your palate with these super special and delicious dandelion recipes!
Notes + Tips for Foraging Dandelions:
Forage dandelion in locations where you are certain they haven’t been sprayed with toxic herbicides. Unfortunately, many consider this amazing plant an unwanted weed and it is commonly sprayed with all sorts of things! Gather from your own property or a friend or family member’s property where you are certain this isn’t the case.
Few plants mimic the visual qualities of dandelions, and it is one of the more easily and safely identifiable foraged plants, but if you are uncertain, consult a plant guidebook, or a local herbalist. One thing that sets dandelion apart from some of its mimickers is its sturdy green base right below the yellow flower head.
Every part of a dandelion (Taraxacum officinale ) is edible! Harvest the roots, leaves and flowers and try out some of the delicious recipes below!
To harvest the roots: Use a knife or small shovel or spade to gently cut a circle into the ground around a dandelion ensuring you are able to safely and easily pull the roots (and entire plant out of the ground).
To harvest the leaves: Use knife to slice the stem just about one inch above the roots. Pinch each leaf off individually.
To harvest the flowers: Use a sharp knife to slice the yellow flower tops off.
To clean dandelions: Place any harvested flowers, leaves, roots or whole plants into a bowl or sink full of water. Gently swish around to release debris. Place on a dry tea towel to dry before using.
Dandelion Health Benefits + Nutritional Information:
Dandelions contain a hearty amount of:
potassium
antioxidants
calcium
inulin
iron
magnesium
vitamin C
vitamin K
vitamin B6
vitamin A
Dandelions are:
a natural diuretic
an appetite stimulant
anti-inflammatory
liver detoxifying
alkaline in nature
immune system supporting
anti-microbial
blood-building
Dandelions have been shown to be an effective natural treatment for:
high blood pressure
skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema
diabetes
nausea, loss of appetite
bone loss
anemia
44 Gluten-Free Vegetarian + Vegan Recipes Using Dandelions (Greens, Roots, Flowers):
Spring Garlic Mustard & Dandelion Green Vegan Frittatas
from Very Vegan Val
How to Make Delicious Dandelion Leaf Pesto
from Learning and Yearning
Dandelion Green Recipe and Cooking Dandelion Greens
from Confessions of an Overworked Mom
Mint Cacao Adaptogenic Freezer Candy (Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free)
from MOON and spoon and yum
Dandelion Salad with Balsamic Pepper Strawberries
from The Flying Couponer
Dandelion Honey - a Fabulous Vegan Alternative to Honey
from Tin and Thyme
Dandelion Root Latte with Turmeric and Ginger
from The Conscious Dietitian
Sweet Potato Patties with Dandelion Greens
from Dish 'n' the Kitchen
I SO hope you enjoyed learning more about dandelions, their health benefits, how to forage them and these 24 amazing dandelion recipes! If you found this post beneficial, I would truly appreciate you sharing it on social media! Your support means the world. xo
1 Comment
Rhonda
11/08/2019 at 6:37 PMThank you! I have been collecting a little dandelion. I use the root in my tea. I enjoy learning more for ourselves and our generations to follow. ❤️