How to Forage and Use Delicious Dandelions

By now, the backyard foragers amongst you know the gem that is the mighty dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Even those not too into picking your dinner from the lawn will no doubt be able to spot a dandelion a mile off and perhaps even know a little of its uses.

Dandelions are a prolific plant in many a lawn. They are hated by purveyors of perfect lawns whose very yard-perfecting practices are causing dandelions to sprout ever more enthusiastically. You see, dandelions are a pioneer plant. Their deep taproots mine for nutrients deep in the earth for their own use and also make those nutrients available to other neighboring plants. That act of mining also helps to looses soil that has been compacted by footsteps and mowers!

However, instead of fearing and detesting this ‘weed’, we can grow to love it, just like the pollinators! Let’s admire it and use it for all the wonders that it gives us.

Are Dandelions Good for Me?

Remember all that mining that the dandelions do to pull up nutrients from deep in the earth? Well, those nutrients can be passed on to you, too.

The roots, leaves, and flowers of the dandelion plant can be consumed, and all are rich in minerals and vitamins. The greens contain significant amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K as well as some of the B vitamins. They are also rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

The root of the plant is rich in a type of carbohydrate called inulin. This is a type of soluble fiber that, when consumed, helps to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

The flowers are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols that help to keep your body healthy and able to fight disease.

Foraging For Dandelions

Dandelions are pretty easy to spot. They have a bright yellow flower that sits atop a hollow stem. When you break the stem, you will notice white milk seeping from the break. The leaves grow from the base of the stem only and are dark green and lobed.

Always make sure that you are 100 percent sure of your identification before consuming a plant, and be sure to have sourced it from a place that you are certain is free from pesticides or other harmful contaminants.

Dandelion Vinegar

Dandelion flower-infused vinegar is easy to make and is pretty versatile, too. You can use all parts of the plant to make the infusion, but if you are going to use the vinegar for food, the dandelion flowers alone might make for a less bitter concoction.

You can use this vinegar as a hair rinse or as a vinaigrette for your salads. You might want to pour a little into your bathwater with some Epsom salts to ease tired muscles.

Method: Pick your dandelions and rinse them well. Then, chop the components into pieces. Stuff them into a clean and dry mason jar, and then pour a vinegar of your choice over the dandelions until they are completely covered. Place a non-metal lid on the jar and store it in a dark place for 4-6 weeks. You may shake it occasionally to help with the infusion.

Dandelion Syrup

Source: A&A Homemade/YouTube

You can’t go wrong with maple syrup on your pancakes, but if you are looking for something a little different and very local indeed, you might want to try making your own dandelion syrup.

Method: Once you have collected a whole bunch of dandelion flower heads, you will need to rinse and dry them out. You will then try to remove as much of the green part of the flower as possible and be left with just the petals. It doesn’t have to be perfect!

Next, put the petals in a pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil before shutting off the heat. You will need to let the mixture cool before putting it in the fridge overnight. The next day, strain the water from the petals. You can give the petals a good squeeze to get as much liquid out as possible.

Add the liquid to a pot and put it on the stove with some sugar to make a syrup. The amount of sugar you use will depend on how much water you have, but you can try one cup of sugar to one cup of water. You will then need to bring the mixture to a boil and then let it simmer until all of the sugar has dissolved. This may take an hour. Allow your syrup to cool before pouring it into glass containers.

Dandelion Tea

Source: Hidden Thicket/Youtube

Dandelion tea is often drunk as a digestive aid or as part of a detox tea blend. Often, when you buy boxed dandelion tea, you will be buying the root of the pant. However, you can make a perfectly delicious and nutritious cup of tea from the flowers alone. You can use the flowers, dried or fresh. Remember that dried herbs are much stronger in flavor and potency, so you will need to use more fresh flowers than you would dry for the same taste.

This article is for informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional before using herbs medicinally. Never consume a foraged plant unless you have a 100% certain identification.

Related Content:

• Spring Salad: Edible Flowers and Dandelion Greens
• Foraged Food Recipes for Spring
• Fun Foods to Forage in Fall
• 7 Reasons Weedy Lawns Are Better Than Fancy Grass
• Food for Free: Foraging for Spring Greens

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