9 Ways to Use Spring Dandelions
Spring is here!
And along with the sunny weather comes a new crop of dandelions.
But don't pull out your weed-whacker just yet!
Dandelions are more than just pesky weeds.
Not only are they edible, but they have excellent medicinal properties as well.
If you have dandelions growing in your backyard, or if you know of a safe location like a field
or park that hasn't been sprayed with pesticides and that isn't near a road, so you don’t
get hit by a car, pick a bunch, rinse them well to get rid of any bugs and dirt, and
then put them to good use.
Here are 9 ways to get started!
Number 1 - Add to Salads
Dandelion greens, or the leaves of this plant, are a classic to add to salads; but they can
also stand on their own.
For optimal flavor, pick these greens when they are young and small.
You can add them to your favorite salad as a base or even just dress them with salt and
pepper for a hearty side dish.
But all parts of the plant are edible!
The flowers taste like honey, so adding them will make for a sweet addition!
Number 2 - Boil The Roots or The Flower Heads to Make Tea
Dandelion root tea has long been known as a liver cleanser.
It's also great for fighting inflammation and can help lower blood pressure.
To make this tea, all you have to do is wash the roots thoroughly, chop them into smaller
pieces, and toss them in a pot of boiling water.
Allow them to boil for 20 minutes, then strain out the roots.
Drink it with honey, lemon, or milk.
Or drink it straight up if that's what you prefer!
Alternatively, you can place the flower heads in a pot of boiling water and boil for about
10 minutes.
Then, let it cool for about 15 minutes before straining out the flowers.
Number 3 - Make Dandelion Jam
You can make your own dandelion jam to spread on toast or use it as a topping for desserts
like ice cream.
It's delicious and super easy to make!
First, gather a few mason jars.
Then, put the following ingredients in a saucepan: 1 pint of dandelion petals
2 cups of water 1 and a half cups of sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 3 ounces of liquid pectin
Bring this mixture to a boil and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.
Then, remove the pan from the heat and stir for another minute until the pectin is completely
dissolved.
Next, ladle the mixture into the jars and cover each one with a lid.
Let them stand until the jam sets, and then store the jars in a cool dark place.
Number 4 - Fry Up the Flowers
To make this delicious treat, pick your dandelion flowers when they're fully open; and then
wash them thoroughly.
Next, pat-dry them with some paper towel to ensure all the moisture is out of the petals.
Dip each flower in your favorite batter and then deep-fry until golden brown.
Or, simply pan-fry them in olive oil until they are crispy on both sides.
Sprinkle with salt to taste, and serve!
Number 5 - Make Dandelion Infused Oil
Making dandelion-infused oil is a great way to capture the unique, light flavor of these
cheerful flowers.
And this oil can be used in many ways from replacing olive oil in your favorite recipes
to making soothing salves and bath salts.
More on that later.
To make the infused oil, simply add 3 parts dandelion petals to 1-part carrier oil such
as sunflower, coconut, or jojoba, in a jar with an airtight lid.
Store your jar in a cool dark place for 3 to 4 weeks before straining out the petals
with a cheesecloth.
Once strained, your dandelion oil is ready for use!
Number 6 - Make Dandelion Salve
If your skin is feeling dry or chapped due to sun exposure or weather conditions, dandelion
salve can give you immediate relief.
It can also be used on bug bites to soothe itching and promote healing.
To make your salve, put a double boiler on medium heat, and melt together:
1 ounce of beeswax (either grated or pellets) 1 cup of dandelion-infused oil
2 ounces of coconut oil Once all the ingredients have melted together,
remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes.
At this point, you can add some essential oils if you’d like.
About 20 to 30 drops will do.
Carefully pour the mixture into tins or jars and let it cool for a few hours until completely
solid.
Number 7 - Make Dandelion Bud Capers
To make pickled dandelion capers, first gather some young buds.
You'll want to do this in early spring when they are still tightly closed.
Then, boil 1 cup of water with 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt.
Put the buds in glass jars, and pour the mixture over them until they’re all covered.
Once cooled, put the lids on, and store your capers in your refrigerator for at least 24
hours before you eat them.
The vinegar will preserve the bulbs, making them safe to eat without roasting or cooking
further.
Dandelion bud capers have a milder taste than true capers but with a similar texture and
appearance.
Number 8 - Make Dandelion Vinegar
The next time you feel a little bit under the weather, try drinking some of this homemade
medicine on its own or mixed with warm water.
It will help boost your immune system so that pesky cold doesn't turn into something worse.
Dandelion vinegar is also a great way to add some springtime flavor to your salad.
All you need to do is put about one cup of dandelions into a pint-sized glass jar.
Fill the jar with apple cider vinegar, put the lid on, and let it sit in room temperature
for two weeks.
After that, strain out the flowers and store your dandelion vinegar in a sealed jar in
a cool place.
Number 9 - Make Dandelion Bath Salts
You can also make your own soothing dandelion bath salts at home.
Just mix: 1 cup of sea salt
Half a cup of Epsom salt Half a cup of cornstarch
Half cup of dried dandelion petals and 1 teaspoon of lavender and 1 teaspoon
of chamomile essential oil Stir well to combine all of the ingredients
and place your bath salts in an airtight container.
When you're ready for a relaxing bath, add about a quarter cup to your bath water, and
enjoy!
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