The dandelion grows in every natural meadow. For many garden owners, it is a weed that must be controlled. Others use the dandelion as a medicinal herb and as a flavoring in salads. The dried root is particularly interesting.

Dandelion roots contain many nutrients and medicinal substances

What is dandelion used for?

Almost all parts of the dandelion can be used. The serrated leaves give each salad bitter substances that are important for digestion. The yellow flowers can be used to make dandelion honey and the root is used fresh or dried for physical health. It helps with digestive problems, has a diuretic effect and purifies the blood, and it can also lower cholesterol levels.
The dried root used to be ground and brewed as a coffee substitute, so-called "Muckefuck". Some people still like it today.

harvest dandelions

Leaves, flowers and roots can be harvested all year round. Make sure that the plant grows in unpolluted meadows and not directly on the roadside.
Before processing, clean the plant. Leaves and flowers are washed under running water, the root is freed from soil.
The fresh leaves can be cut into strips and mixed into the salad. The sweet, edible flowers are not only used to decorate fruit salads, they can also be used in dandelion honey, in syrup or in jams. Steam the fresh root like vegetables or pour it over a tea.

Dry and use dandelion root

  1. Dig up the roots and let them dry in the sun for a day. Then the soil can be better brushed off.
  2. Gently rinse the roots clean under running water.
  3. Now cut the root in half.
  4. Hang the roots in an airy and dry place. A place above the heater or in direct sunlight is not suitable.
  5. You can also cut the root into small pieces and dry them lying down in plenty of fresh air.

Use the dried roots for a strengthening tea infusion. The tea has a healing effect on kidney, bladder and gallbladder problems. Due to the vitamins and minerals it contains, dandelion strengthens the immune system and also contributes to blood formation.
You can get a decaffeinated coffee substitute by finely grinding the dried dandelion root and brewing it like coffee.

The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

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Category:

Herbs