Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Asteraceae family of plants, along with daises and sunflowers. Native to Europe, dandelion seeds were brought by American colonists to America, where they were initially planted for culinary and therapeutic use. They have since spread far and wide, as previously noted. Here Zoey Sky, NaturalNews.com, reflects on five ways to use dandelions in your kitchen:

“Dandelions will pop up just about anywhere, from the side of the road to the middle of your lawn. But don’t get rid of this flowering plant, even though it’s usually considered a pesky weed.

Learn how to make soothing dandelion tea or salad using dandelion flowers and leaves. (h/t to ApartmentPrepper.com)

Health benefits of dandelions

Dandelions, which are common in Europe and North America, are dismissed as weeds. But despite their reputation, dandelions offer several health benefits. You can harvest the flowers, leaves and roots of this edible plant and use them in the kitchen.

Dandelions are nutritious and contain the following vitamins and minerals:

• Calcium
• Fiber
• Folic acid
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Protein
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Zinc

Dandelion flowers, leaves and roots are used as a natural diuretic, meaning they can increase the production of urine. Dandelions can also be used to promote digestive health and can serve as a mild laxative.

Considerations before using dandelions

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), using dandelion in the amounts commonly found in food is generally considered safe. But not much is known about the safety of taking dandelion in larger amounts.

Dandelions can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergic reactions may be more likely if you are allergic to related plants like chrysanthemums, daisies, marigolds and ragweed.

Tips for foraging dandelions

When foraging for dandelions, choose those that have not been sprayed with herbicides or weed killers. Pick dandelions “off the beaten path,” or those away from vehicle exhaust and dog walkers because you don’t want to use anything pets might’ve done their business on.

It’s best to collect dandelion roots in the winter because the roots are strong. You can also gather dandelion roots in early spring before new leaves and flowers start to grow since the roots have all the nutrition stored for the new plant.

Choose older plants in large clusters that are about a year old and well-matured. Younger dandelion plants are a little bitter, but you can still use younger roots.

5 Uses for dandelions

Here are five ways to use dandelions:

Coffee substitute

During the civil war, Confederate soldiers used different coffee substitutes because their supply lines were often unreliable. Soldiers roasted dandelion root to make a mild coffee-like drink.”

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