16 Dandelion Recipes | The Prairie Homestead (2024)

FAQs

What is eating dandelions good for? ›

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant, and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. Preliminary research suggests that dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function.

Europeans have used it for fever, diarrhea and skin conditions. Dandelion leaves help the body flush out excess fluid (Source), aid digestion (Source), and may stimulate appetite. Some people even use dandelion roots as coffee substitutes and flower petals to make jelly or flavor wine.

The quintessential weed, dandelions are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain vitamin E, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. 2 Every part of this flowering herb, from the roots to the bright-yellow blossoms, can be eaten raw or cooked.

Mowing dandelions does not contribute to the spread of them, but it also does not stop the spread. To stop the spread of dandelions, you must reduce seed spreading by collecting the dandelion seed heads into a bag and taken out of your yard.

Not only are dandelion greens safe to eat, but they also provide a range of health benefits. All parts of a dandelion plant are edible, from the top of the yellow flower down to the roots. The green leaves of the dandelion can make a healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, omelets, and more.

May promote liver health

Other animal studies have shown that dandelion extract may reduce excess fat stored in the liver and safeguard against oxidative stress ( 5 ). However, human research is needed. Animal studies indicate that dandelion may protect against liver damage, but more research is needed in humans.

Bleeding disorders: Dandelion might slow blood clotting. In theory, taking dandelion might increase the risk for bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Ragweed allergy: People who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds) might also be allergic to dandelion.

You can drink dandelion tea every day. “Recommendations are two to three times a day,” says Geib. “Start your day with a cup of dandelion root tea and build it up slowly. Its diuretic properties can increase urination, so go gentle and let your body adjust to it first.”

Cooking dandelions eliminates some of the bitterness. First boil the greens for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a pan with hot olive oil and garlic, and sautee for 3-5 minutes. Eat as is or add to other dishes like pasta or scrambled eggs.

The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an abundant “weed” plant that also happens to be edible. In fact, nearly the entire plant can be consumed in one way or another. The only inedible part is the stem, which contains a very bitter, milky substance.

What is the healthiest part of the dandelion? ›

Yes, the entire aerial portion is edible, including Dandelion's leaves, stalks, and buds, though if you really want to ingest more local nutrition and medicine from your landscape, eat the yellow flower. It may be the healthiest part of the plant.

The roots, leaves, and flowers may be eaten raw or cooked [14]. Due to their high nutrient content, dandelion leaves are often included as a salad ingredient, and the inulin-rich roots are used as substitutes for coffee or tea.

Dandelion roots can grow up to three inches, so hand pulling is often a waste of time pulling the Dandelions are only effective if the plant's entire root can be removed. Avoid wasting your time with futile removal methods.

Tall grass will both choke out weeds and keep the sun off of dandelion seeds, which will also keep the soil cool. The appropriate length for a Midwestern lawn is about 3 inches (7.62 cm) or taller.

Dandelions bloom early in the Spring and are an important nectar source for bees and butterflies when other flowers aren't yet blooming. These same pollinators will help veggie plants and annual flowers reproduce later in the Summer but still need a food source before gardeners get to work.

Dandelion greens are packed with nutrients, but calcium and iron are the most prominent. Raw dandelion greens contain 10% of the DV for each mineral, whereas cooked dandelion greens contain between 11% and 15% of the DV. Calcium aids in the development of healthy teeth and bones and the neurological system.

Benefits of Dandelions

Black bears, deer, rabbits, squirrels and other wildlife will enjoy snacking on dandelions when they begin looking for food after winter. This is especially beneficial to animals who have newborns or young that require additional feeding. Dandelions are nutrient dense.