Whole Dandelion Plants
Andy has prepared a box full of treats this month (May 2023)
Inside this months box you will find his whole dandelion plants. Whilst many will wonder what on earth to do with them - we hope you will be equally excited about learning how to prepare this truly incredible plant.
The whole of the dandelion plant is edible, the roots, the leaves and the flowers. They are an essential staple for early pollinators early in spring and we hope to inspire more people to encourage their growth in wild space, community spaces, gardens and more.
The leaves and flower heads of dandelion can be added to salads to add a layer of flavour you won't find in the salad aisle of shops. Well regarded as a digestive aid, through its bitter notes, we have been missing this type of flavour from our regular diets for far too long.
Though they are known for being bitter - there are ways of preparing them that make them truly delicious and have you wanting more!
Suggested uses:
Wash well before use.
Leaves and flower heads (discard seed heads - or use them to grow your own dandelions) - shred and add raw to salads, sarnies, or use in place of spinach, rocket or other green salad leaf. Pairs very well with grapefruit and zesty lemony dressings.
How to prepare roots:
- Leave to soak for several hours to help reduce the bitter flavour.
- Leave skins on and cook as you would carrots.
- After cooking until tender - simply slide the skin off - revealing a white soft core that can be eaten in the same way as you would eat carrots, parsnips and other root veg. Once you have the white tender core you can roast them, mash them, serve them with butter, or if you prefer a more adventurous option.....Drizzle them with honey, nigella seeds, sea salt and smoked paprika - serve immediately whilst still warm, or leave them to marinate overnight in the fridge before chopping and adding to salads cold.
Alternative options for roots:
- leave to soak for several hours,
- peel the skin off the roots with a potato peeler - as you would carrots
- Chop into fine pieces and roast on medium heat until brown and fully dry
- You can sprinkle this on salads, or grind to use as a coffee substitute.
Find a good herbal website and follow the instructions for making a herbal bitter to support happy digestion. Its a very simple process that involves steeping the chopped roots in alcohol or apple cider vinegar. When prepared you can use a few drops in water before meals to support happy digestion.
