Dandelion - coffee substitute?

I knew a bit about the dandelion as I have used the leaves, flowers and have tasted the roasted root used to make a coffee substitute but it is amazing what you find out when researching in more detail. Apparently this herb originated in Greece. It is called Taraxacum Officinale which means 'official remedy for disorders' !! In the USA it ranks in the top 4 green vegetables in overall nutritional value and in Chinese medicine it is in their top 6 herbal medicines. Throughout history dandelions have a reputation in being effective in promoting weight loss.

I have used the first tender leaves of this prolific plant in a salad and they compliment the other elements very well by adding just a slightly bitter note. It is a diuretic so has a very good cleansing effect and has many properties for which it is used in the treatment of numerous ailments. But I didn't realise that the leaves alone contain more nutrients than spinach or tomatoes. They include vitamins A, B2, C, D and G, and minerals potassium, iron, calcium, sodium and phosphorous.

The leaves and roots are widely used to lower cholesterol and dandelion juice when consumed fresh and in high quantities, by mashing and squeezing the flowers is said to have a cleaning effect on the blood and enriching it with iron. Specialists use the leaves and root to treat patients with liver disorders.

Only last year, I picked the flowers when they were first out and after giving them a brief clean, dipped them into a sweet batter and fried them to make delicious fritters.

I am intrigued to try the dandelion root as a drink again as I can vaguely remember its taste from when my mum used to have it and it is easily made and people do drink it as a coffee substitute as well as for its many reported health benefits. However, please remember if you are taking any prescribed medicines to check with your GP before trying any herb as it could affect how they work.

Dandelion Tea

Dig up some of the roots of the dandelion plant. Wash and clean them and then chop up into small peices and place on a baking tray.

Roast the roots for 30-40minutes at 200c with the door slightly open to let the moisture escape and they will turn a dark brown. The best way is to check them every 20minutes until they feel dry, then you can grind them up straight away and store in a sealed jar.

Use one teaspoon per cup of water, because of its slightly bitter taste some people prefer to add sugar or honey to sweeten it to taste.

As a bonus to all the above ways of using the dandelion we like to use the numerous leaves growing in all the nooks and crannies of the garden as a source of free food for our rabbit as she loves them too.

If you would like to learn more about my exploits foraging for free wild food and the recipes I have cooked with my herbs and grow your own then please have a look at some of my other posts :)