Can You Eat A Dandelion? We're Glad You Asked!

Have you ever wondered can you eat a dandelion? These cheerful backyard "weeds" have many health benefits and are delicious too! 

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Can You Eat A Dandelion? Yes!

Many people ask, can you eat a dandelion? Dandelions are full of health benefits and nutrients. They are full of vitamin k, magnesium, and are considered a diuretic as well. People have been eating dandelions for centuries and you can too. All parts of the dandelion plant are edible as well making this a very useful plant in the kitchen from morning coffee to a dinnertime salad that you won't forget. 

Who should eat dandelions?

Most healthy people can eat dandelions in moderation just like any other food. Dandelions can be a vegetable or beverage in most well-balanced diets causing little to no problem. However, some individuals may want to avoid them. If you are allergic to dandelions then definitely avoid them and find another food to try. :)

You may also want to avoid dandelion if:

• You take blood thinners or medications that control how your blood clots
• You take medications for your heart
• You take sedating medications
• You are currently taking a diuretic
• You have been prescribed medication to control your blood pressure
• You are currently taking lithium

Herbs that may interact with dandelion and increase blood clotting times or thinning the blood include:

• Angelica
• Clove
• Capsicum
• Danshen 
• Garlic 
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• Horse Chestnut
• Panax Ginseng
• Poplar
• Red Clover
• Saw Palmetto
• Turmeric
• Willow

Precautions for eating dandelions:

If you use any of the medications listed above or allergic to dandelions it's probably best to pass by this food and find another to try. As with anything you should discuss herbs and supplements with your health care provider, even though this article is about food, dandelions are still considered to be a supplement for many. This article is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition and should not replace medical advice from a trained professional. I am only a blogger creating this article for educational purposes only. 

Pesticides, herbicides, and dandelions for consumption:

When gathering dandelions, dandelion greens, or dandelion root in the wild it's important to be careful where you source it from. Do not gather dandelion from roadsides or from areas where pesticides or herbicides may have been used. This could put you at risk for consuming those poisons yourself. Instead gather from your own chemical-free yard, trusted neighbors, or areas designated for foraging or in the forest if you can for the cleanest dandelions. 

When to gather dandelions, dandelion roots, and dandelion greens:

Dandelions are best gather in the early spring and early fall. These flowers can best be harvested in the mid-morning when the blossom is fully open and the dew has dried off of the plant. Dandelions gathered at other times may be tough or grow increasingly bitter. However, the root of the dandelion is best gathered from late fall to early spring. The root is dormant then and will have more nutrients stored within it at this time. As with any product, inspected it closely for freshness and signs of disease. Only gather healthy looking dandelions from trusted areas or purchase dandelion products from a reputable seller. 

Dandelion Root Coffee

Coffee...Many people think of this as their morning wakeup call. The smell of it can lure even the most tired zombie from its sleep, but coffee can have some ill effects. So many have chosen to switch to dandelion coffee in recent years, or have used this root to substitute for coffee during the second world war. So where do you get dandelion coffee anyway? 

Gathering dandelion root for coffee

As mentioned earlier, its best to gather this root from late fall to early spring for the best flavor and most health benefits. Gather the root with a dandelion digger or a fork gently to avoid breaking the root as little as possible. The root should be kept as intact as possible throughout the harvest. The smaller the plant, the smaller the root. So look for mature plants with more growth for larger, more potent roots.

Drying Dandelion Roots For Use

I personally like to dry my dandelions on a screen in a warm, dry place like my attic. It has good airflow and is a convenient and out of the way place where they won't be disturbed. You could also use a food dehydrator and dry them just until brittle, for specific instructions follow the manual with your individual dehydrator.

How to make dandelion root coffee

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Break to roots or chop them into 1/4 inch wide pieces. 
3. Lay these in a single layer on a cookie sheet and roast in the preheated oven for three and a half to four hours. 
4. Stir the root pieces occasionally throughout cooking.
5. Look for the roots to be dried and browned well when finished.
6. Now cool them and store them in an airtight jar or container. 
7. When you are ready to use them grind them up as you would traditional coffee. 
8. To make the coffee steep 1 teaspoon of the grounds per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. 
9. Using an individual or large tea diffuser, depending on the number of cups you are making at one time, can help clean up to be easier.
10. Sweeten to taste or add anything you would to your normal coffee if you'd like. 

Where to purchase ready-made dandelion root coffee:

If you don't have the clean area to harvest or the time to go digging for dandelion roots there's no need to worry. These sellers have some great dandelion coffee for any time of the day!

Dandy Blend, Instant Herbal Beverage with Dandelion, 2 lb. Bag

Cotswold Dandelion Coffee 200g

Symingtons Instant Dandelion Coffee 300g

Dandy Blend Instant Herbal Beverage With Dandelion Caffeine Free 25 Single Serving Pouches

The Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens can be a welcome addition to any salad or sauteed for a wonderful side dish you're sure to love. The best part is that there so good for you too. So what are the benefits of eating dandelion greens anyway? 

Cleansing Blood and Liver Are Just A Few of The Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens:

The health benefits of dandelion greens may possibly include:

• Stimulating the appetite
• Providing fiber in the diet
• Being a good way to cleanse to kidneys or relieve kidney stones through diuresis
• Cleansing the liver by stimulating the production of bile, in turn, help to relieve or eliminate gallstones in some cases. 
• Providing vitamins C and K along with calcium, magnesium, and many other essential nutrients.

Another of The Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens Is That They Are Low in Calories

Dandelion greens, like any salad greens, provide a great deal of fiber to keep you full but are very low in calories. These greens can be part of a great low-calorie salad, just watch the amount of dressing. They can also be added to a great green smoothie for a quick meal. Sauteeing these greens in a small amount of oil is still a mostly low-calorie way to enjoy these nutritious leaves.

There's No Hassle In Geeting The Health Benefits of Dandelion Greens As They Are Very Easy to Prepare

Dandelion leaves should be washed in cool water to thoroughly remove any dirt or sand before consuming. Wash the leaves just as you would lettuce and spin for a salad or allow to drain. If you are sauteeing the leaves then you should pat them dry gently to prevent popping or splattering of grease when the leaves come in contact with the oil. To use raw simply add to any salad or smoothie of your choice as you would kale or other greens. To sautee add them to a frying pan on medium heat with 1 teaspoon of olive oil or any cooking oil that you prefer and cook until the leaves are slightly wilted as spinach would be. Then just enjoy. :)

Can You Eat A  Dandelion Flower? 

So we've talked about eating the greens and roots of the dandelion, but can you eat a dandelion flower? Yes, and they are delicious. Dandelion flowers can be gathered as mentioned above and gently brushed off prior to cooking to remove dirt and dust. If your blossoms have sand in them, shake them gently over the sink to remove it.

Dandelion fritters

If you been wondering can you eat a dandelion flower, then this recipe for dandelion fritters from HerbMentor over at YouTube is the one for you.

Dandelion jelly

If you been wondering can you eat a dandelion flower, then this recipe from Emily Faye Bingham over at YouTube is the one for you. Don't worry we've been wondering how to make dandelion jelly too after having eaten a delicious batch from a wildcraft merchant this summer! 

Dandelion Bread

If you been wondering can you eat a dandelion flower, then this recipe from Woodpecker Willows Homestead for dandelion bread will be a welcome addition to your kitchen. Here's the video from YouTube to get you started.

Have you ever eaten a dandelion? Tell us in the comments below! Thanks for stopping by Secular Homemaking, we'll see you next time. :)