The Dandelion Has Many Applications

Many people consider dandelions to be a nuisance. This time of year, I often hear people discussing how to get rid of those pesky dandelions and which pesticides work best. On the other hand, there are people all throughout the world that accept and appreciate the dandelion as both food and medicine. The dandelion is a wild vegetable that is plentiful, incredibly healthy, and still available for free. The leaves and root are the most often utilized portions. They are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as beta carotene, minerals, and fiber. Dandelions are a popular blood and liver cleanser and function as a natural diuretic.
They are also used as a general tonic, nourishing and strengthening the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, stomach, and intestines. Dandelions have been used to treat anemia, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, and jaundice, as well as to lower blood cholesterol and uric acid levels. For some, dandelions have even alleviated menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes have been connected to hepatic congestion in certain people. When the liver is congested, previously utilized hormones that are ready for disposal become retained in the liver, recycled, and used again, finally resulting in toxicity.
Then there are those who just enjoy cooking with dandelions. Dr. Peter Gail, founder and president of The Defenders of Dandelions, has studied recipes and folklore on the usage of wild plants by people all across the world. He has over 3000 recipes for 105 different plants, including over 600 for dandelions. He started eating weeds as a small child out of need when a friend introduced Gail’s family to them. Dr. Gail’s firm, Goosefoot Acres, decided to host a national dandelion cook off in Dover, Ohio, in 1994, to promote the usage of dandelions. Every year during the first weekend of May, it attracts individuals from all across the nation who want to enter their favorite dandelion dish in the competition.
If you’re going to harvest some dandelion greens, choose the leaves when they’re young and fragile, especially if you’re planning to eat them raw. This is the stage before it blooms. Simply trim the plant down to the base once it blossoms, and you’ll have new fragile leaves in about 2 weeks. This may be done throughout the summer. Picking and eating dandelions from soil that has been subjected to repeated herbicide applications may be harmful. Chris Atzberger of Columbus, Ohio, provides a recipe for Classic Dandelion Salad that feeds four. Half pound fresh dandelion leaves, chopped, 1 small onion minced, 8 ounces fresh mushrooms cut, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons olive oil1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt Toss everything together and serve. I also like to combine dandelion greens with other salad greens. They may also be cooked in the same way as any other green. I wouldn’t throw away the water after draining because that’s where the majority of the nutrients reside. My wife loves to steam the greens in water or sauté them with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Gail Harshbarger of Akron, Ohio, offers a cool dandelion and tomato appetizer recipe that will enhance any summer picnic. 15 Roma tomatoes or 8 other tomatoes, 1/2 cup finely chopped onions, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/4 cup sweet yellow pepper diced, 1/4 cup sweet red pepper diced, 2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup chopped dandelion greens, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 14 cup red wine or Italian dressing, 1/2 teaspoon of your preferred mixed dry herbs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Except for the tomatoes, combine all ingredients in a mixing dish. 1 hour in the refrigerator Scoop out the insides of tomatoes by cutting them in half. Stuff the tomatoes with the dandelion mixture and top with Parmesan cheese. Before chilling, my wife normally adds what she scooped out of the tomatoes to the dandelion mixture. It is also possible to bake it.
The dandelion root is the most commonly utilized medicinal element. It may be dug out, dried, and sliced up before being processed into tea. It must be simmered for around 30 minutes. If you want to get some of the health advantages of dandelion but aren’t up for the pills, you may buy dandelion tea instead.
The dandelion root is also used to produce dandy mix, a delightful and healthful coffee replacement. Dandy mix has a fantastic coffee-like flavor that can be used in baking or added to vanilla ice cream for a delicious creamy coffee flavor.
When I see dandelions, I enjoy their beauty and thank them for all of their therapeutic benefits… Please be gentle with your dandelions. Michael Comeau contributed this material for informative purposes solely.
Its purpose is not to diagnose, treat, or cure any ailment. When seeking medical advice, always speak with your doctor.