Remember…in Permaculture, “The Problem is the solution”.
Taraxacum, is a numerous species of flowering plant known generally as Dandelion….taken from the french word dent de lion or “lion’s tooth” . It is a pioneer plant that sends down a long taproot to break up and improve fallow soil.
Dandelion grows naturally in Temperate climates, and is generally considered a noxious weed that infests and ruins lawns around the world. However, unlike the lawn, Dandelion is almost entirely edible. So…The problem is the solution.
The Dandelion leaves can be sautéed or eaten raw like spinach, or they can be cooked to reduce bitterness. Dandelion is eaten traditionally in numerous Asian countries as well as Crete and Greece. Dandelion flowers make a tasty Jelly. The flowers can also be floured and fried into fritters, (I plan to try this this year using acorn flour).
Dandelion Fritters!
A famous use of the plant is Dandelion wine. My grandmother told me of the Dandelion wine they made back in the day using the flower heads of the plant. I remember reading the Ray Bradbury novel of the same name in high school.
In the 1800’s Dandelion greens were actually used in salads and on sandwiches like we use lettuce on a “BLT”, and the British made a light ale called “Dandelion and Burdock” from the plant. It was a light mead drink but now is produced in a non-alcoholic form, soft drink form. My charming British friend Jane tells me its like “the lovechild of ginger beer and root beer, but different.” Click link below to order a taste
Fentimans Dandelion & Burdock 4/Pack
Dandelion is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects early in the season, before many flowers are in bloom.
Nutritionally, Dandelion leaves contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Dandelion is abundant in vitamins A, C and K, and it is also a good source of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese.
Medicinally, herbalists use Dandelion as a tonic for liver function health, and as a diuretic. Excuse my language, but an english folk nickname for the plant is “piss-the-bed”, as a result of its diuretic properties.
Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root, 16-Count Boxes (Pack of 6)
Dandelion Seed is propagated in the manner well known by most children, as the puff ball seed head carries the seed in the wind.
Dandelion is actually a beneficial companion plant that fixes nitrogen into the soil with its taproot.
I have a Dandelion “patch” that I am…yes…cultivating…by running back and forth through the puff balls when they are in bloom and propagating the seed. They reproduce by apomixes…basically…they clone themselves.
So, when your lawn is growing again and the snow forecasts are long past…do not look at those Dandelions with disdain…look at them as they should be viewed…as food!
