Wild Harvest~ the Dandelion

Ode to a dandelion? Yes! These poor things are one of the most unloved....or rather, frequently despised....wild growing plants that is ever present in all of our backyards. They are overlooked at best...and dug and thrown away at worst. We often treat them as vagrants....messing up our beautifully lush, green lawn...huffing when they show up in the spring and engaging in a lop-sided war against them throughout the warm seasons.

I've come to believe that the gods must have put so many here in a thought that, if we saw huge numbers of them, certainly we would understand and appreciate their value. I imagine them now...sitting in their board room surrounded by scribbled on white boards....heads in hands....dejected at their swing and a miss!

This is my ode to the dandelion....starting with the blossom~

The Blossoms:

They have a high level of polyphenols which help in the prevention of degenerative diseases. Full of anti-oxidants they provide ongoing resistance to free radical production (hence, cancer preventative). They provide a strong source of vitamin A and B12 and so are good for the eyes and energy levels. Intake has been known to lead to: pain relief (from headaches, backaches, menstrual or stomach cramps); reduction in depression; improved blood circulation.

I use the blossoms in Dandelion Jelly. It is simple to make, is an absolutely beautiful color and taste like honey on your toast in the morning!

Dandelion Jelly cans well and, therefore, can be made for eating throughout the seasons. Maybe it'll inject a little warmth into the darker months...or maybe you'll stick to spring cleanse time...however preference drives it, you will reap the benefits.

My new addition this spring is Lime Dandelion Tea. I was dubious when I found the recipe. In the past, I have not enjoyed dandelion tea. It was too bitter to take even for medicinal purposes. HOWEVER, this combination is a keeper! When you bring the glass to your nose, you take in lime and lightness....the flavor is mildly sweet with the citrus twist. Refreshing!

My jug of Lime Dandelion Tea. The recipe calls for both dandelion blossoms and dried red raspberry leaf. The combination makes it doubly medicinal with dandelion providing the spring detox element and the raspberry leaf supporting woman's health. This tea is noted to be good for both menstrual complaints and during pregnancy and contains strong sources of magnesium, calcium and anti-oxidants.

The Leaves/Greens:

The greens are high in Vitamins A, C and K and are good sources of calcium, potassium, iron, folate and magnesium. Dandelion greens are noted to do the following:

*help protect vision *improve heart health

*help regulate blood sugar * prevention of colon cancer

*promote wound healing

In the spring time, the greens have a mild taste and are interchangeable with any green you may use in an omlette or frittata. As the season rolls on, the leaves grow bitter letting you know to move on to the next lovely green that is springing up in your wild harvest.

Every morning this week, I've enjoyed eggs from our chickens with fresh dandelion greens, green onions, peppers and mushrooms.

Eating should never be boring...and when you include wild harvested edibles...your body and soul will thank you!

The Root:

In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, dandelion root has long been used to treat stomach and liver conditions. Herbalists today believe that it can aid in the treatment of many ailments, including acne, eczema, high cholesterol, heartburn, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes and, even, cancer.

Dandelion root is easily harvested and dried, either in your dehydrator or the oven. It is best harvested in the fall

My favorite thing to do with the root is making Dandelion Bitters. I take a dropper full every morning to prime my digestion for the rest of the day.

Dandelion bitters can also be used in mixed drinks and even coffee and chai combinations.

~ Moral of the story.....appreciate the dandelion and it will appreciate you back~

This is my Dandelion story and I'm sticking to it!

The First Dandelion

Simple and fresh and fair from

winter's close emerging,

As if no artifice of fashion, business,

politics, had ever been,

Forth from its sunny nook of

shelter'd grass--innocent, golden,

calm as the dawn,

The spring's first dandelion shows its

trustful face.

~from 'Leaves of Grass' by Walk Whitman