With much needed sunshine my garden is now a lot greener and covered in… dandelions!
I don’t know how about you, but FOR YEARS I have been trying to clear our lawn off those “weeds” by pulling them out!
Until I learned a few things about this amazing little plant.
The word dandelion comes from the French “Dent de lion” or “lions tooth,” a reference to their incisor-patterned leaves.
AND this “superherb” is a medicinal powerhouse that our bodies often need.
Let me explain.
Detoxing your body is one the steps we talk about when working with me.
And guess what?
The dandelion is a
- powerful detoxifier. It contains potent oils and bitter resins that folk healers and doctors have prescribed for liver health for centuries. It also helps to maintain the proper flow of bile while stimulating the liver – this will help your liver to get rid of the toxins
- potent anti-cancer herb, by stopping the cancer cells from dividing and spreading.
- nutrient rich plant and packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, iron, and calcium. These nutrients can support overall health and aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Can you eat dandelions?
Yes, you can! 😀
But first, make sure that you pick them from a safe location.
Stay away from roadsides and unknown yards because toxic pesticides are often used to keep these so-called “weeds” at bay!
Here are three easy ways to enjoy your dandelions:
- Dandelion Greens Salad:
- Harvest young dandelion greens (April/May is perfect for this).
- Wash the greens thoroughly.
- Toss the greens with other salad ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded carrots, and your favourite dressing.
- Dandelion greens have a slightly bitter taste, which pairs well with sweet dressings like honey mustard or balsamic vinegar.
2. Dandelion Tea:
- Harvest fresh dandelion flowers and leaves.
- Rinse them well.
- Steep the leaves and flowers in hot water to make a refreshing tea.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon and honey for extra flavour.
- Dandelion tea is known for its mild, earthy flavour.
3. Dandelion Pesto:
- Replace some of the basil in your favourite pesto recipe with dandelion greens.
- Blend fresh dandelion greens with garlic, pine nuts (or any nuts of your choice), Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust the ingredients to achieve your desired taste and consistency.
- Use this dandelion pesto as a spread on sandwiches, mixed into pasta dishes, or as a topping for roasted vegetables.
Like the saying goes, “One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure.” 👍😀
The dandelion is a great reminder of the hidden treasures that Mother Nature unrolls right under our noses (surely in my garden).
Will you look at a dandelion ever the same again? 😉
Which one of these recipes will you try this week?