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Dandelion

Taraxacum officinale

Type: Perennial

Parts: Leaves, flowers, root, whole plant.

For: This commonly cursed lawn “weed” is really a very nutritious herb. The leaves are best before the plant flowers. Although they take on a bitter taste after flowers appear, they are edible anytime. Plants growing in the shade produce larger leaves and flower slower than those in direct sun. If the plant is frequently cut back entirely it will repeatedly produce tender leaves. The yellow part of the flower is edible and commonly used in vegetarian dishes. Because the plant is so nutritious, the root is commonly found in herbal preparations for a variety of ailments. Dandelion has been used as a high nutrient food, for calcium deficiency and is a valuable survival food. Dandelion greens contain 7,000 units of vitamin A per ounce. Whenever cancer is present in the body, a vitamin A deficiency can also be found. Used by European herbalists to treat diabetes and liver diseases. In situations of severe vomiting, dandelion restores the gastric balance in patients

Dandelion wine, Dandelion jam, Dandelion as a salad green, Dandelion as a salad flower, Dandelion as a meat substitute or meat additive, soooo many ways to enjoy!