What part of the dandelion do you eat?

What part of the dandelion do you eat?

Dandelion is probably one of the most common and recognisable varieties of edible weeds and it’s also very versatile. The yellow petals from the dandelion flower and the leaves can be eaten in salad, and the leaves can also be cooked and eaten like spinach.

How do you eat dandelions?

Five ways to eat dandelions

1. Dandelion green salad. This is the most simple way to use dandelion greens.
2. Sauteed greens. Cooking dandelions eliminates some of the bitterness.
3. Dandelion fritters. Collect flower heads and wash them.
4. Baking with dandelion petals.
5. Dandelion root coffee/tea.

What bugs eat dandelions?

Dandelions are a vitally important element of the diets of many flying and ground insects. Many types of bee and wasp, including the honeybee, bumblebee and bald-faced hornet, use dandelions as a food source. Other insects that eat dandelions include grasshoppers, mites, fireflies and butterflies.

Can you just pick dandelions and eat them?

Dandelion leaves to be eaten raw are best when they are fresh and young. As they age, the leaves get increasingly bitter. But they are still edible, particularly if you blanch them before using them in your recipe.

What sickness can dandelion cure?

In traditional Chinese and Native American medicine, dandelion root has long been used to treat stomach and liver conditions. Herbalists today believe that it can aid in the treatment of many ailments, including acne, eczema, high cholesterol, heartburn, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, and even cancer.

Who should avoid taking dandelion?

Do not use dandelion if you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin. You should also avoid dandelion if you have gallbladder problems, have diabetes or are taking medicine to control blood sugar levels, or are taking a diuretic.

What dandelion does to the body?

Dandelion greens are a good source of calcium and vitamin K — both of which are associated with the prevention of bone loss ( 30 , 31 ). Inulin, a fiber found in dandelion root, may also support healthy bones through improved digestion and the promotion of healthy gut bacteria ( 32 ).

Can dandelion cure high blood pressure?

However, dandelions are a good source of potassium. There is clinical evidence that shows that potassium can help reduce blood pressure. For example, research has found that people taking a potassium supplement saw a reduction in their blood pressure, especially if they already had high blood pressure.