Between April and May, the dandelion is the first wild herb that visually enhances wild meadows in parks, roadsides and other areas with a really eye-catching color. Why just walk past him? Why don't you just collect it?

Flowers and leaves can be collected well into autumn

When do you collect the leaves?

The leaves of the dandelion, which are ideal for wild herb salads but can also be used to prepare a tea infusion, should be collected when they are still young. They then have a soft green color and a length between 5 and 10 cm.

The harvest time for the leaves comes right after the sprouting in April. However, always leave individual leaves on each plant so that it is not weakened too much and may even die!

How do you collect the leaves?

Armed with a cloth bag, a basket or something else, you can start collecting. Pick the individual leaves, being careful not to expose them to direct sunlight for too long after collecting. Otherwise they quickly lose strength and become limp.

When is the collection time for the flowers?

At the flowering time, the harvest time for the flowers has come. When the morning dew has dried and the flowers have fully opened, you can collect them.

What should be considered when collecting the flowers?

Oftentimes, collecting the flowers will release some milky sap from the stems. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to wear gloves. Be quick and temporarily place the buds in a screw-top jar, pouch, or bag, for example. So that the flowers do not close again, they should be processed within a short time.

After collection, process, dry or freeze

The edible flowers and leaves can now be processed or preserved:

  • Eat pure or in salads
  • juice or blend
  • Cook
  • soak in oil
  • make a tincture
  • dry
  • freeze

tips

The dandelion seeds can also be collected, for example to grow the dandelion in your own garden.

Category:

Herbs