Did you know one of the healthiestplantson earth could be growing in your own backyard?
Dandelions have gotten a bad reputationas a “weed” to be eradicated. However, herbalists and wild foodies prefer to live with nature, not against it. We honorthesebeautiful plants that giveus nutritious food and powerful medicine. Plus, dandelions arean 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 sunnyyellow flowers tothe nutrient-rich roots. Hereare seven of our favorite recipes with dandelions.
Remember, when harvesting dandelions make sure the area has not been sprayed with chemicals and useethical foraging and wildcraftingpractices.
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 includessimple tips for making sure you’ve got the right plant.
Get the recipe for Dandelion Pesto »
2.Fermented DandelionStems
Don’t wasteyourdandelion leaf stalks– pickle them! Fermentation is an excellent way to preserve vegetables while increasing the nutrients in your food. These tastydandelion stemscan even help digestion.
Get the recipe for Fermented Dandelion Stems »
3.Dandelion Flower Fritters
This recipe for dandelion flowerfritters has two variations: sweet or savory. But really the possibilities are endless! Also learn how to identify dandelions and how to harvest the best flowers.
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 blossoms. Doesn’t get much better than that!
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5. Dandelion Root Tea
This roasteddandelion root tea is creamy and foamy like a latte, and it offers manypotential benefits for the liver and heart. You’ll also get a step-by-step guide to harvesting and roasting dandelion roots.
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 deliciousshrubas a mixer in water, sparkling water, soda, or even co*cktails.
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.
Get the recipe for Dandelion Coffee»
7 Ways to Eat Dandelions