The Entire Dandelion Plant Is Edible !

Dandelions are a leaf crop. They are perhaps one of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat or drink. Dandelions take little care to grow. As you probably already know, they will grow anywhere. But, like any other plant, they will grow best in rich soil in a weeded garden patch with sufficient moisture. Heat and insufficient moisture will cause the leaves to get bitter. 

While many people think of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, herbalists consider it a valuable herb with many culinary and medicinal uses. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins A, B complex, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. Its leaves are often used to add flavor to salads, sandwiches, and teas. The roots can be found in some coffee substitutes, and the flowers are used to make certain wines.

In traditional medicine, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also used dandelion decoctions (liquid made by boiling down the herb in water) to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn, and stomach upset. Chinese medicinal practitioners traditionally used dandelion to treat digestive disorders, appendicitis, and breast problems (such as inflammation or lack of milk flow). In Europe, herbalists incorporated it into remedies for fever, boils, eye problems, diabetes, and diarrhea.

Young dandelion leaves are the best tasting, can be added to soups, salads, saute them in olive oil, salt, garlic and hot pepper ! The leaves are rich in Vitamins A, C & K, as well as good amounts of calcium, iron, manganese & potassium.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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