Dandelion roots can be dried, ground and used as a substitute for coffee.
Considered an unwelcome scourge in many front lawns, dandelions provide a springtime culinary treat for those who enjoy their bitter flavor. To minimize this bitterness, the best time to pick this plant's greens are in early spring before the flower stalks develop. Does this Spark an idea?
Features
All parts of the dandelion plant can be safely eaten, from roots to flowers. The first leaves to appear are the most tender, and Mother Earth News recommends harvesting the plant's crown along with the greens.
Culinary Benefits
A popular way of cooking dandelion greens is to boil or steam them until just tender and garnish them with butter or lemon juice. The unopened blossoms can also be cooked as a tender vegetable. Dandelion greens are high in vitamins A and C, as well as iron.
Concerns
Dandelion greens should be harvested in areas that are safely away from open roadsides or areas that dogs frequent. In all cases, they should be rinsed several times to remove soil, insects or other contaminants.
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