I recently learned a neighbor has been referring to our family as "the weirdos" on the block. At first, I felt slightly offended. But then I laughed out loud. I had just been outside digging up the dandelions in our yard - not to throw them out but to make tea. So, yes, I am that weirdo neighbor!
You may have thought dandelions were just pesky weeds but these cheerful blooms are actually delicious and nutritious medicinal plants. In fact, dandelions were ranked as one of the top 41 most nutritious foods surpassing even broccoli and cabbage.
Skeptical? I was too. But this was a fun experiment! And what I discovered was that dandelion flowers have a surprisingly mild and floral flavor making them perfect for a soothing cup of herbal tea.
This bright yellow tea is also gorgeous to serve. I can't wait to share this with my friends next time we get together. I'm sure they are reading this and are very excited about drinking dandelions. Right, guys? Errr....guys???
So, it might take some time to warm up to the idea of trying dandelion tea, but I think you'll be glad you did. Although you can make dandelion tea with dandelion leaves or roots, this is the easiest and sweetest way to enjoy a cup of dandelion tea. But if you're a coffee lover, you may want to try a cup of roasted dandelion root tea (a delicious coffee substitute) instead.
Early spring is the best time to make this dandelion tea as this is when the fresh flower heads are sweetest. So, let's get started.
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Ingredients
Fresh dandelion flowers, petals only (about 10 flower heads)
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
1 teaspoon raw honey, maple syrup, or stevia (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon zest or a slice of lemon (optional)
Supplies
Cheese grater (for lemon zest)
Tea bags, tea ball, or tea strainer
Instructions
Gather and then wash fresh dandelions and mint (if you are using mint) in a colander to remove debris or insects.
Pluck the flower heads from the dandelion plant. Twist and pull away the yellow petals from the green calyx at the flower's base. Although the calyx is edible, it has a bitter flavor.
Finely chop the mint leaves.
Using a cheese grater, grate about a teaspoon of lemon zest.
Place the yellow petals, mint, and lemon zest in a tea ball, tea strainer, or tea bag.
Place the ball, strainer, or bag in your favorite mug.
Fill your kettle with water and bring the water to a boil. Pour the hot water into your cup, cover, and steep for 3-10 minutes (longer steeping yields a stronger flavor).
Remove the ball, strainer, or bag, and add optional sweeteners or a slice of lemon.
Sip and relax!
Dandelion flower tea with fresh mint, lemon & honey
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather and then wash fresh dandelions and mint (if you are using mint) in a colander to remove any debris or insects.
- Pluck the flower heads from the dandelion plant. Twist and pull away the yellow petals from the green calyx at the flower's base. Although the calyx is edible, it has a bitter flavor.
- Finely chop the mint leaves.
- Using a cheese grater, grate about a teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Place the yellow petals, mint, and lemon zest in a tea ball, tea strainer, or tea bag.
- Place the ball, strainer, or bag in your favorite mug.
- Fill your kettle with water and bring the water to a boil. Pour the hot water into your cup, cover, and steep for 3-10 minutes (longer steeping yields a stronger flavor).
- Remove the ball, strainer, or bag, and add optional sweeteners or a slice of lemon. Sip and relax!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Taste and flavor
Dandelion flower tea is made with only the flowers of the dandelion plant. It has an unexpectedly mild, floral, and sweet flavor.
What are dandelions?
As one of the most hated plants in the universe, I think most people can recognize the dandelion (taraxacum officinale). These perennial plants will grow nearly everywhere regardless of soil conditions - gardens, lawns, parks, and fields.
But what you may not realize is that all parts of the dandelion are edible (leaves, flower buds, stem, flower petals, and roots). These sunny flowers have potent nutritional and medicinal properties used for thousands of years by Native Americans and in traditional Chinese medicine.
How and when to harvest
Once the blossoms on the dandelion have opened in the early spring, you can start harvesting the flower heads. They are sweetest when picked early in the season.
Harvest dandelions from areas that haven't been sprayed with pesticides. Also avoid places with high levels of air pollution, such as highways or busy roads.
The easiest way to harvest dandelion blossoms is to pluck the flower heads from the plant. Then twist and pull away the yellow petals from the green calyx at the flower's base. Although the calyx is edible, it has a bitter flavor.
Note: Dandelions should be used immediately after picking because the flowers will quickly close up and wilt.
Health benefits of dandelion tea
Did you know dandelions are more nutritious than broccoli or cabbage?
In this study, dandelions were ranked number 16 among the top 41 most nutritious foods. Surprisingly, they surpassed popular vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
Dandelion flower heads are full of nutrients including vitamin C, K, and A as well as potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron.
Heart health
Sipping dandelion flower tea may even be a heart-healthy choice.
Dandelion flowers are packed with potent antioxidants, including beta-carotene and polyphenols. These antioxidants may help protect against cell damage and oxidative stress. In addition, "some compounds in dandelion may decrease triglyceride and cholesterol levels, which are key risk factors for heart disease."
Medicinal properties
All parts of the dandelion have different medicinal properties from the flower heads to the dandelion roots and greens. Here are just some of the potential benefits of drinking dandelion tea, according to WebMD:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved liver health
- Immune system support
Feeling bloated?
Dandelion flower tea is a natural diuretic, which means it encourages increased urine production and reduced fluid retention in the body. So, if you're battling bloat, dandelion flower tea may be a great remedy.
Side effects and allergic reactions
Dandelions are safe to eat. However, it is possible to be allergic to dandelions. Dandelion sap contains latex so anyone allergic to latex should avoid handling fresh dandelions.
As a precaution, if you are taking any prescription medications, you should consult your healthcare practitioner before drinking dandelion tea.
Conclusion
Next time life hands you a backyard full of dandelions, get your revenge by brewing a cup of delicious dandelion tea. And be sure to invite your lucky friends over for a steaming mug. Cheers!
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