Dandelions- The Tasty "Weed" Is Good For You!

Dandelions. You either love 'em or you hate 'em.  In our neighborhood, Dandelions are considered a weed that must be controlled. I have to agree that lawns do look better without them but did you know that they are edible? On top of that, they are really good for you!

Excerpts from "The How to Herb Book"

The dandelion we are talking about really is that little yellow weed in your lawn. All its parts are used – the leaves, flower and roots. It can be used fresh in green drinks and salads.

• One of the best blood purifiers and builders available.
• High in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium.
• Contains all the nutritive salts for the blood. Dandelion restores and balances the blood so anemia that is caused by deficiencies of these blood salts disappears.
• The herb for low blood pressure, helps build energy and endurance.
• Overweight people when losing weight can become over acidic. These acids in the blood are destroyed by dandelion.
• One of the best liver cleansers. It increases the activity of the liver and the flow of bile into the intestines.
• It is fantastic for use in hepatitis.
• Increases activity of the pancreas and the spleen.
• Good for the female organs.
• Helps open urinary passages.
• Used to treat skin diseases.

To purchase "The How to Herb Book", Herbs or to read more about Dandelion visit:

When Andy and I heard about how good dandelions were for us, we experimented with the plants from our own back yard. We made a coffee substitute from the roots, cooked the flower buds in butter (they tasted like artichokes!), and ate the leaves in salads.  It was a lot of fun and the kids loved picking the flower buds for us to cook for them!

Check out this link on how to make Dandelion Coffee.

This link will show you a basic Dandelion Fritter Recipe.

And this final link will take you to a recipe for Dandelion Jelly!

The video below is from a collection called "Great Depression Cooking by Clara" This episode "Dandelion Salad" brought back the memories of our experiments with dandelions.  I love this sweet lady!

Before watching this video, pause the music on this website. You can find my playlist on the right.



Remember the saying, when life gives you dandelions, make a salad? Well, Ok. I know that's not the saying but next time you look out on your lawn full of Dandelions remember they are little miracles! God made them just for you so go pick 'em and make something delectable! And the best part is, they are FREE! You can't get much better than that!

;) Gruvinmom