The Unpopular Dandelion (With 10+ Surprising Ways To Use It)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is one of those flowers that you more than likely grew up underappreciating (or still do) due to many people referring to them as weeds. They do indeed love to proliferate, but when I was growing up I always disliked when people would call them weeds. I still do. Most weeds are associated as something negative and to be dreaded; however, these little yellow flowers are far from that.
As a kid I loved to pick these abundant springtime flowers, as they were one of the first to always pop up in the yard. They were how we knew for sure that spring was here to stay! We would pick them to make “soup,” which was just basically water, flowers and whatever else we got our hands on. It would then be mashed into mush which some poor soul would then be served – Yum! Sometimes we would use the flower heads to draw on each other, painting our skin with the yellow pigment.
Once it got warm enough, the dandelions all too quickly went to seed, turning themselves into lovely white puffballs. Waiting for the wind, animals or kids to come along and disperse the seeds to multiply them and start the lifecycle over. If you were lucky, you never had to taste one of these light and airy puffballs, as you probably had nice family and friends.
Whether you are new to foraging dandelion or an experienced forager, I’m hoping with the information provided below that you will gain some new knowledge of this amazing little plant and are able to utilize it to its fullest potential.
General Information
Scientific Name: Taraxacum officinale
Other Common Names: Blowball, Common Dandelion, Lion’s tooth, Priest’s crown, Swine snout
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9 (-40°F / -40°C)
Height: 8-18″
Invasive: Yes
Life Span: Perennial
Plant Type: Flower
Blooms: Spring to Summer
Why is Dandelion so Great?
Dandelion is an abundant, easy-going plant that grows practically everywhere, making this plant easy to get your hands on. Every part of the plant is edible, from the flower all the way to the roots, with many uses for each. Best of all, they are free!
Traditionally, dandelion has been used as a diuretic, to increase the amount of urine and eliminate fluid in your body. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial to your health when used internally and externally. Some of the possible health benefits1 are:
- Provide antioxidants
- Reduce inflammation
- Manage blood pressure
- Control blood sugar
- Lower cholesterol
Leaves & Stalk
- Contains: Vitamins A, C and K, Folate, Calcium, Potassium
- Helps kidney function
Roots
- Detoxify the liver and gallbladder
- Improve digestion
- Mild laxative
- Mild appetite stimulant
Precautions
Even though dandelions have a lot of great health benefits, there are some possible negative aspects2,3 to these wonderful plants.
- Allergies
- Those who are allergic to ragweed and related plants (chrysanthemums, marigold, chamomile, yarrow, daisies or iodine) might also be allergic to dandelion.
- People with eczema seem to have a higher chance of having an allergic reaction to dandelion.
- Drug Interaction – Consuming dandelion may interact with some drugs, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you take certain medications.
- Heartburn – May increase the amount of stomach acid which may cause or make existing heartburn worse.
- Latex – Used as a defense mechanism and the reason that the roots and green parts of the plants tend to be bitter is due to the presence of latex. It has been found that the roots have the highest concentration of latex since they are the main storage for nutrients which fuel growth in the early spring. The latex helps protect against burrowing herbivores that would otherwise eat and destroy the plants root system4. If you have a latex allergy, wear gloves when handling and do not consume.
- Slow Blood Clotting
- Dandelion may slow blood clotting so those who suffer from bleeding disorders could be at an increased risk for bruising and bleeding.
- During or after a surgery, may cause extra bleeding and problems with lower blood sugar, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you are consuming dandelion prior to surgery.
Important: Safety is important when consuming or using any foraged items. It is crucial to do your own research on whether is it right for you. If you have concerns, but would like to still consume dandelion, talk with your healthcare provider.
Foraging for Dandelion
Foraging for dandelion is a balance, because they enjoy cooler weather but open their petals once the sun comes out. Spring time tends to be the best time to forage, because as the temperature starts to rise, the flower heads threaten to go to seed (turn into those classic white puffballs).
Identification
Since dandelion thrives in many different types of climates, finding it is rarely a problem as it grows all over the world. This makes it an easy plant for beginners in foraging. However, there are several other flowers that look similar to dandelion (none of which are toxic) so just make sure they can be properly identified.
- Flower Head – Opens during sunny periods and closes at night or inclement weather. When opened, bright yellow petals are visible. Flower heads grow on a single, unbranching stalk.
- Seed Head – The center of the head is brown in color from the seeds. A thin stalk is attached to the seed and at the end there are white fuzzy feather-like tuffs which helps carry the seeds in the wind or attach themselves to animals. The seed head is spherical and easily destroyed by the lightest physical touch, very light and airy.
- Stalk – Hollow on the inside and has milky sap, multiple single stalks may be coming from the main plant. Stalk is bare of leaves.
- Leaf – A mature plant will grow in a basal rosette. Leaves are 3-10″ (7.5-25 cm) long and smooth with a few crinkled hairs on the upper and lower surfaces and widely-spaced teeth (hence the name, “Lion’s Tooth”) that point toward the leaf base. The end of each leaf is typically the largest, with segments decreasing in size and becoming more divided toward the base.
- Root – Long and thick, fleshy taproot that is easily broken and will regrow if not fully removed. When broken, has characteristic white milky sap.
Look-Alikes
Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), also called false dandelion, is the most likely to be mistaken for dandelion, as the flower heads look very similar. However the stalks are typically branched and the leaves are more rounded at the ends with fuzzy hairs covering them.
Sow Thistle (Sonchus oleraceus) is also very similar but will have leaves protruding from the stalk and many flower heads branching from a single thick fibrous stalk. Mature plants have prickly spines on the leaves.
Equipment & Tools
- Berry Harvester (optional)
- Collection Container
- Garden Gloves (optional)
- Garden Shears (optional)
- Weeder or Hori Hori Knife (optional)
Locations, Method & Time
Below is some information on how and when when to best harvest and specifics for each part of the plant:
- Location: Lawns, gardens, meadows, pastures, fields
Keep in mind when you’re harvesting that if you want plants to come up next year, and you don’t plan to plant some yourself, leave some of the flower heads/roots so they can regrow and reseed for the next season.
Important: Only forage in locations where you have permission and know fertilizer, herbicides or pesticides haven’t been used. Avoid heavily trafficked areas, such as beside trails, roads, and animal/pet areas.
Flower Head & Petals
When foraging for flower heads, look for flowers that are large, bright and healthy looking. If planning to dry them for later, it may help to find flower heads that are only 3/4 opened to reduce the risk of them going to seed while being dried.
- Equipment (optional): Berry harvester, Collection Container, Garden gloves, Garden shears
- Method: Using your hand, or preferably the berry harvester, pluck the flower head off of the stalk. Using the berry harvester will allow you to harvest multiple flower heads at once and will keep your hands from getting dirty and sticky with sap.
- Season: Spring
- Depending on your location, may have a longer foraging season.
- Time: Early morning after the sun comes up, dew is gone and the flower petals open.
Leaves & Stalk
Dandelions growing in the a shade will have more tender leaves than those growing in the sun and they will bloom later.
- Equipment (optional): Collection Container, Garden gloves, Garden shears
- Location: Shade
- Method: Using garden shears or your hands, simply cut or pick off the leaves.
- Season: Spring to Fall
- Time: When leaves are young as they tend to be less bitter.
Roots
The ease of harvesting the taproot is dependent on the soil conditions where the plant is rooted. Roots that are in well-drained composted soils are larger and easier to remove whereas dry, rocky, nutrient-deficient soils, the roots are smaller and more difficult to remove.
- Equipment (optional): Collection Container, Garden Gloves, Weeder or Hori Hori Knife
- Method: Using a garden tool, gently work through loosening the soil around the plant, being careful not to break or damage the root. Once the soil is loosened, pull out the plant and shake off any excess dirt.
- When choosing what plants to harvest, choose the larger plants as they will have a much bigger taproot in comparison to smaller plants. You want to make your effort worthwhile so leave those smaller plants for next year to harvest when they’re bigger.
- It is important to not tear up the roots when you harvest otherwise you will lose a lot of sap which is where the beneficial properties are. A hand digging tool may be necessary to prevent breaking the taproot during removal.
- Time: Before plants start to blossom, preferably after rainfall or when the soil is moist to help the soil loosen up which will help aid in extraction with the least amount of damage to them.
In general it is best to harvest the roots from late fall to early spring when the plant is dormant and has stored up energy in the root. For optimal results, the season that the root should be harvested depends on what you’re planning to use it for.
Medicinal Use
- Season: Fall
- The levels of inulin (insoluble fiber) are higher and the fructose levels are lower.
Culinary Uses
- Season: Early Spring
- The freezing of winter converts the inulin to fructose, which makes spring roots more palatable for eating. Spring roots are less bitter and chewy.
Preparing & Storing Dandelion
Once you have harvested the plants, it is important to prepare and store them properly so that all your hard work doesn’t go to waste.
Preparing
Depending on what part of the plant you harvested and what you plan to do with it will determine how best to prepare them.
As a basic preparation, since these came from nature, it is best to place the plants on a cool, shaded flat surface such as a table. Allow the plants to rest for an hour or so to allow any critters that may have been on or inside the plants to evacuate.
- Flower Head, Leaves, Petals & Stalk – Rinse or soak the plants with cold water to further clean them from dirt, debris, and critters.
- Roots – These will be significantly more dirty compared to the above-ground parts of the plant. Scrub the roots under cold water to help release any remaining dirt. There may a darker brown skin on the root, this can be left on.
A salad spinner works great to get excess water off after cleaning.
Storage
There are several ways to store your harvest, depending on what the end goal is for the plant will determine what will be the best way to store it.
Air Drying
There are several ways to achieve drying your dandelions just by air drying. The best way to air dry would be to use a herb drying rack. This will allow for ample air flow and keep any critters off of the plants. Store it in a dry, cool, shaded area.
If you do not have an herb drying rack or do not wish to get one, then you can still air dry your plants. You could make your own DIY drying rack by repurposing an old window screen that has been washed. A cooling rack from the kitchen could also be used, if drying only flower heads or petals then you can place a tea towel on top to keep them from falling through.
Air drying could take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the environment they’re being stored in as well as the water content in the plant. Spreading the plants in a single layer with some space in between them for better air flow will help speed up the process.
Store dried plants in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Label the container with the content and date so you don’t forget.
Dehydrating (or Oven Drying)
When dehydrating or oven-drying dandelions, be sure to keep an eye on them so they do not overheat and become burnt. Using this method cooks the plants slightly which decreases their nutritional value, keeping the temperature low (95-110°F / 35-43°C) helps keep as much nutrients as possible.
- Flower Head & Petals – It is not recommended to dehydrate or heat the flower head due to the risk of them going to seed. However, you can dehydrate the petals if you remove them from the flower head prior to dehydrating. Set the dehydrator or your oven to the lowest setting possible, and check periodically for when they’re dry.
- Leaves & Stalk – Place onto a tray then dehydrate/bake until the pieces are brittle to the touch.
- Roots – Cut roots into thin strips length-wise and place on a tray, dehydrate/bake until the pieces are brittle to the touch. Roasting the roots to dark brown enhances the flavor but isn’t necessary.
The finished product can either be packaged as is or be placed into a blender/food processor and turned into a powder. The powder can then be used to add to dishes, smoothies, tea or make dandelion coffee.
Store dehydrated plants in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Label the container with the contents and date so you don’t forget what it is (it will happen, trust me!).
Fresh
Due to the flower being temperature sensitive, it is best to store them in a dry, cool, shaded area if you are wanting to preserve the flower petals and not risk them going to seed. If you aren’t planning to use the plants within a few days, you may freeze them to extend their shelf life or use another method of preservation.
Freeze Dried
Freeze-drying dandelion is the best way to remove moisture for long-term storage while retaining the maximum amount of nutrients out of all of the storage options above.
Set the Tray Heat to 95°F / 35°C or lower to help retain the medicinal properties. Run as normal.
- Flower Head – If wanting to freeze dry for aesthetics, it is best to skip any sort of preparation (resting/rinsing) of the flower head and freeze dry immediately after harvesting. Some people may not like this as there may be hitchhikers on them. If you choose to rest/rinse and the flower heads close up you can still freeze dry and use them, they just won’t look as pretty as being open.
- Leaves, Petals & Stalk – Add a weight on top to help keep them from flying around when the drain valve is opened, though this is optional.
- Roots – Cut roots into thin strips length-wise to help speed up the freeze-drying process. Prior to freeze drying, some people roast the roots to enhance flavor but isn’t necessary.
Package the finished product as is or place into a blender/food processor and turn it into a powder. The powder can be added to dishes, smoothies, tea or make dandelion coffee.
Store freeze-dried plants in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Label the container with the contents and date so you don’t forget what it is (it will happen, trust me!).
Dandelion Uses
Now that you have your harvest of dandelions, check out the many different options below that each part of the plant can be used in!
Flower Head & Petals
This is personally my favorite part of the dandelion plant! There are so many delicious ways that the flower head and petals can be used.
- Fritters – Batter the flower heads in a batter mix. Fry in some oil and serve with a drizzle of honey.
- Honey – No honeybees? No problem! Make yourself some mock honey from your yard!
- Jelly – Make some jelly to top some morning breakfast toast.
- Infused Oil – Infuse oil to use in cooking or turn into a healing herbal salve, great for pains and aches.
- Seeds – Allow the flower head to go to seed, save the whole head or pluck the seeds off to save and replant! Each plant can produce up to 20,000 viable seeds5.
- Tea – Make yourself some refreshing tea that will remind you of spring.
- Wine – Brew yourself some wine so you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your harvest.
Leaves & Stalk
The leaves and stalk tend to be on the bitter side so it is best to use young, fresh leaves. Cooking them sometimes helps with the bitterness.
- Green Salad – Pick young, fresh leaves to give the best flavor in a healthy salad.
- Leaf Tincture – Use alcohol to pull out the nutritional benefits of the leaves to preserve it for longer term. Great to use when the plants are no longer readily available.
- Sautéed Greens – Sautéing will help cut some of the bitterness so you can still enjoy these nutritious greens!
Roots
Since the roots also tend to be bitter, many people like to use the roots in ways that will cut some of that bitterness.
- Coffee – Roast and grind the roots to brew a drink similar to coffee.
- Root Tincture – Use alcohol to pull out the nutritional benefits of the root to preserve it for longer term. Great to use when the plants are no longer readily available.
- Supplements – If you really want to get fancy you could dry and powder the roots and encapsulate them to make your own supplements.
References
- “5 Health Benefits of Dandelions” Cleveland Clinic, July 21, 2021, accessed July 3, 2023, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits/.
- “Dandelion – Uses, Side Effects, and More” WebMD, accessed July 3, 2023, https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-706/dandelion.
- “Dandelion” Mount Sinai, accessed July 3, 2023, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/dandelion.
- Max Planck Society, “The dandelion uses latex to protect its roots against insect feeding” Phys, January 5, 2016, accessed July 3, 2023, https://phys.org/news/2016-01-dandelion-latex-roots-insect.html.
- “Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale” University of Wisconsin-Madison, accessed July 3, 2023, https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/dandelion-taraxacum-officinale/.
About the Author
Subscribe
Enjoying our content? Stay up to date on all of our latest posts, subscribe now to receive an email every Friday with our new posts of the week!