This post is all about how to prepare dandelions in delicious and nutritious ways.
I want to add more foraged food to my diet, especially dandelions. But I didn’t grow up eating dandelion and never have really been around people who use them regularly, so I don’t really know how to use them in. That is a problem no longer! Here are 25 + ideas for how to prepare dandelions.
Dandelions can be SO good for you! The leaves contain Vitamin’s A, C and K, Folate, Potassium and Calcium. Dandelion is also known for it’s antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. The leaves and flowers can also be good for your skin. Dandelion root is high in inulin. Inulin is a prebiotic, it feeds the good gut bacteria that lead to good digestion.
Be careful when foraging dandelions that they haven’t been sprayed with something toxic!
How to Prepare Dandelions: Savory
Flower Recipes
Dandelion Vinegar — Make this and add it to salad dressings for something different. Dandelion Capers are another great vinegary option.
Green Recipes
Dandelion Pesto — this is a great way to eat dandelion greens. When I made this I tasted it before and after I added the cheese and it makes a BIG difference! The cheese helps temper the bitter flavor of the dandelions. If you don’t have any pine nuts you can make this with walnuts, though expect this to add a slight bitter-ish walnut taste.
Dandelion Chips — Make these alternatives to the well known kale chips from dandelion greens!
Dandelion Egg Pasta — This is a great way add greens to your diet. Maybe add the Dandelion pesto over the top 😉
Try adding Dandelion Green Quesadilla! The cheese will help mellow out the greens and could be a great way to sneak them in.
Italian Garlic Dandelion Greens is a great side dish to add to a meal. Dandelion Greens and Onions are another popular way to prepare dandelion greens.
If you are looking to make a main dish of things try out this Dandelion Green Dal or Pasta Cacio e Pepe with Dandelion. Or try this Wild Spring Green Pizza.
Root Recipes
These Cooked Dandelion Roots are a pure way to eat dandelions
How to Prepare Dandelions: Sweets
Dandelion Ginger Candy could be a fun sweet treat, but also a cough drop!
Try adding dandelion petals to any of your sweet breads and treats! Dandelion Shortbread Cookies or Dandelion Bundt Cake might be a good place to start.
Or maybe this Dandelion Jelly to spread on toast.
How to Prepare Dandelions: Beverage
ROot Recipes
Dandelion Root “Coffee” is a hot beverage option. Or leave the roots unroasted and make dandelion tea.
For warm days Dandelion Lemonade or a Dandelion Wine or Dandelion Mead (dandelion wine made with honey instead of sugar) could be a good option.
How to Prepare Dandelions: Bath and Body
Flower Recipes
From the little research I’ve done it seems that the leaves and flowers are best for skin care. Where as it seems that the root doesn’t help as much with skin.
Dandelion Lotion Bars or Whipped Dandelion Moisturizer
Spruce up your bath with Dandelion Sugar Scrub, Dandelion Soap or Dandelion Bath Bombs.
Dandelion Salve — I hear this does wonders for sore joints.
On a different note here is a Herbal Cough Syrup with Plantain and Dandelion that might be worth looking into.
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