Selection and storage
In many parts of the Mediterranean, it is grown as an annual crop or sometimes as a garden herb. Often fresh dandelion greens can be gathered from the fields, as a wild herb. However, it is better selected from known sources like farmer’s markets.
In the markets look for fresh, succulent, soft young leaf tops. Fresh leaves are superior in flavor and rich in many vital vitamins and anti-oxidants like ß-carotene, vitamin C, and folates. Once at home, store the greens in plastic bags and place them in the vegetable compartment as in other greens like spinach, kale, etc.
Preparation and serving methods
Fresh greens and flower tops have been in use in cooking since ancient times. Pre-washed greens blanched in boiling water for a minute or so and cooled immediately by plunging into the ice-cold water. Blanching reduces bitterness.
Here are some serving tips:
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Young tender shoots, raw or blanched, used in salads and sandwiches either alone or combination with other greens like lettuce, kale,
cabbage, chives, etc. -
Fresh greens may also be used in soups, stews, juices, and as cooked leafy vegetables.
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Dried greens, as well as flower parts, used to make tonic drinks and herbal dandelion tea.
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Dandelion flowers can be used in the preparation of wines, schnapps, pancakes; and favored in Arab baking.
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Gently roasted and ground root can be used to make wonderfully delicious dandelion coffee.
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Dandelion root concentrate (yangsen -boiling dandelion root until it becomes a paste) is also employed in Japanese cooking.
Medicinal uses
Almost all the parts of the dandelion herb found a place in various traditional as well in modern medicine.
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Certain principle compounds in the herb have laxative and diuretic functions.
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The plant parts have been used as an herbal remedy for liver and gallbladder complaints.
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Dandelion herb is also a good tonic, and appetite stimulant and is a good remedy for dyspeptic complaints.
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Traditionally, flower stems are used as a soothing agent for burns and stings (for example in stinging nettle allergy).
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).
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Further Resources:
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Toraxacum officinale-Pdf.
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USDA National Nutrition database.
