Take Advantage of the Seasonal Nutritious Dandelion!
The Dandelion, many consider it a weed, in fact, untold amounts of homeowners have sprayed tons of herbicides on their lawns just to get rid of them! This is deeply saddening; all for the monotone lawn. Have you ever noticed, when you look at nature...it isn't monotone, it isn't singular, there isn't just one...it's diverse! There are many plants; all living in harmony (unless, of course there is an invasive species from a total different part of the world, that has somehow arrived and disrupted things). There is a reason for this diversity and, It's the way it's suppose to be.
Back to the Dandelion...I consider it not as a weed, but, as a source of nutritious food. Did you know the Dandelion is rich in nutrients! Dandelions pack a whole lot of vitamins and minerals . It's been said, “They're probably the most nutritionally dense green you can eat — outstripping even kale or spinach,”! Dandelion greens, in particular, are a great source of vitamins and a substantial amount of minerals such as: iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium as well as vitamins A, C and K. They also contain vitamin E, folate, and small amounts of other B vitamins .
What Parts Of The Dandelion Do You Use?
You use all parts of the dandelion! The flowers, leaves, stems and roots!
All parts contain antioxidants and other health promoting compounds. The leaves, as mentioned, contain a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals as well as numerous health-benefiting flavonoids such as carotene-ß, carotene-a, lutein, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin. Dandelion root, as well as other plant parts, contains Taraxacin, a bitter crystalline principle, and Taraxacerin, an acrid resin. Further, the root also contains inulin (not insulin) and levulin. Together, these compounds are responsible for various therapeutic properties of the herb. A tea made from the root is a wonderful support for your liver.
How do you use Dandelion?
Culinary:
Use young tender shoots, raw or blanched in salads and sandwiches either alone or combination with other greens like lettuce, kale, cabbage, chives. (To blanch: Wash greens and blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge into ice water to cool. Blanching reduces bitterness.)
Fresh greens may also be used in soups, stews, juices, and as cooked leafy vegetables.
Dried greens, as well as flower parts, used to make tonic drinks and herbal dandelion tea.
Dandelion flowers can be used in the preparation of wines, schnapps, pancakes and jellies.
Gently roasted and ground root can be used to make wonderfully delicious dandelion coffee.
Dandelion root concentrate (eden yansen) is also employed in Japanese cooking.
Dried root can be stored and used as a tea
Medicinal:
Almost all the parts of the dandelion herb found a place in various traditional as well in modern medicine.
Certain principle compounds in the herb have laxative and diuretic functions.
The plant parts have been used as herbal remedy for liver and gallbladder complaints.
Dandelion herb is also a good tonic, appetite stimulant and is a good remedy for dyspeptic complaints.
Traditionally, flower stems used as a soothing agent for burns and stings (for example in stinging nettle allergy).
So right about now, here in Michigan it's pick'en time! Get out and take advantage of this seasonal treasure. Please, always make sure that where ever you pick your dandelions that the area has never been sprayed with pesticide or herbicide!
Let's Make Some Dandelion Jelly!
Dandelion jelly, it's sort of reminiscent of honey and delicious on toast! Sounds good doesn't it? During spring take advantage of these sunny yellow blossoms but please, again, be sure to use blossoms only from areas that have not been sprayed with toxic herbicides or pesticides. The recipe follows. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
4 Cups of dandelion petals packed loosely or 2 cups packed petals
4 Cups of sugar (organic cane sugar )
2 Tbsp. lemon juice (or 2 tsp. citric acid)
1 box (1.75 0z.) Sure-Jell Fruit Pectin
Boiling Water
Instructions:
1. Harvest roughly 8 cups of dandelion flower heads. Carefully remove just the yellow
petals. You will then have about 4 cups of flower petals (not packed).
2. Make a dandelion petal tea by pouring 4 cups of boiling water over the cleaned
flower petals. Allow to seep from 1to 24 hours.
3. Strain the liquid from the petals. Press all liquid from the petals. You should than have
3 3/4 to 4 cups of tea.
4. Pour the dandelion tea into a havey bottomed saucepan. Add the lemon juice and
pectin. DO NOT ADD THE SUGAR. Bring this mixture to a boil.
5. Once the mixture is rapidly boiling, add the sugar, stir well to combine, allowing to
return to a hard boil, and boil for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat
7 Pour the jelly into prepared jars, seal and allow the jelly to cool and set for at least 12
hours.
8. Store in the refrigerator
If you like you can also seal in jars for longer storage using the hot water bath method.
Enjoy!
Now Let's Make Some Dandelion Pesto!
The pesto is delicious: bright and fresh with a little bite. It spreads nicely on bread or tastes great when mixed with pasta or works well when smothered on fish or chicken. Also, try as a dip with pita chips.
Ingredients 2 cups tightly packed dandelion leaves, well-rinsed and dried 12 large basil leaves 2 cloves garlic 1 cup lightly toasted hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts 1/2 cup olive oil 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (optional) kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
In a food processor or blender, add dandelion leaves, basil, garlic, and nuts; pulse to blend. Scrape down sides.
With the motor running, add olive oil and process until a smooth paste forms. Pulse in cheese, if using.
Season with salt and pepper.
Store in the fridge. It lasts for several days. Or, freeze in ice cubes to use later!
Enjoy!
Dandelion Safety profile
Although dandelion herb contains some bitter principles, it can be safely used in healthy persons without any reservations. However, in patients on potassium-sparing diuretic therapy, it may aggravate potassium toxicity. The dandelion herb can also induce allergic contact dermatitis in some sensitive individuals. Medical Disclaimer
Further Resources:
コメント