DIY Recipes

Get in a Dandelion Daze with Recipes and More

03/10/2009

With spring just around the corner, you may find yourself longing for the childhood days of frolicking in flowered fields and making wishes on dandelion puffs. And why not? You may now settle for city parks in place of flowered fields, but you’re never too old or too urban to enjoy a fluffy dandelion.

But did you realize your favorite sunny weed has more uses than just wishful blowing?
Read on and stock up, but don’t worry, the supplies are located in your own backyard.

dandelion days

Nourishment

Yes, dandelions can be eaten. Full of vitamins and minerals, the leaves of the dandelion flower can be tossed in salads or layered into sandwiches for a healthy boost to your meal. However, these greens are best picked before the plant has flowered, otherwise they tend to be bitter in taste.

Drink

While your salad uses the leaves, dandelion wine uses the tiny yellow petals to create a unique beverage for your next picnic. Up for the challenge of making your own? Try this unique recipe courtesy of TheCompostBin.com.

Detox

Dandelions are chocked full of antioxidants, make wonderful diuretics, and act as amazing liver cleansers. Brew a cup of dandelion tea to ease stomach problems and detox your liver after overindulging in that dandelion wine.

Skin care

The juice of the dandelion plant has been used throughout the years to treat skin rashes and ailments. It’s said to have antibacterial properties and can supposedly clear warts and sooth eczema. Meanwhile, dandelion supplements have been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. The roots and leaves of the plant in pill form detoxify the blood and can help clear up acne.

Good Luck

Feeling crafty? Weave yourself some sunshine accessories in the form of a dandelion wreath and you’re on your way to a lucky day. Just make sure it’s one you’ve crafted yourself, superstition states that wearing one from a friend can actually take luck from you.

And if all else fails: find a fluffy one, close your eyes, make a wish, and blow.

You Might Also Like

5 Comments

  • Reply wendyrgould 03/10/2009 at 7:18 am

    great story! ๐Ÿ˜›

    I used to think my grandmother was so strange to eat dandelions! ^^*

  • Reply michelleshea 03/10/2009 at 7:23 am

    it’s funny you should mention that, wendy. As I did this research I found that using them for food and drink tends to be an idea found in one of two areas: either outside of the US or in a much older generation. Most of the recipes and ideas that I came across were ones passed down from grandparents and great grandparents.

    That would actually be an interesting topic: dandelion recipes from family members. If anyone has any, please feel free to share. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Joe Barrett 03/12/2009 at 4:31 pm

    For more information about Dandelion Tea please visit http://www.dandeliontea.org. Thanks!

  • Reply amberrenee 03/12/2009 at 10:10 pm

    thanks Joe, that looks great!

  • Reply Ashley 03/30/2009 at 7:05 am

    You make me want to discover-strange,yet not so strange new things,xo

  • Leave a Reply

    CommentLuv badge