![The Orchid and the Dandelion | Thomas Boyce | TEDxPaloAlto](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g_vcWB43W7Y/hqdefault.jpg)
Content
- Is there a meaningful use for dandelion?
- Which plant parts can be used?
- Taste of the leaves and flowers
- Dandelions in the kitchen
- Dandelion as a medicinal plant - for the sake of health
- How does dandelion work?
- Tips
From dandelion can be made healthy, delicious tea
Is there a meaningful use for dandelion?
It is not only a nuisance weed, but is a rich in vitamins and minerals weed. It can be found almost everywhere - on meadows, along roadsides, along forest edges, in gardens, etc. But why is it good? What can you use the dandelion for?
Earlier article Dandelion grow - with this knowledge it works!Which plant parts can be used?
From the dandelion you can basically harvest all plant parts. In particular, however, the young leaves and flowers are used. The ideal harvest time for the leaves is spring, preferably June at the latest. The flowers are harvested at the beginning of flowering.
Taste of the leaves and flowers
While the edible flowers taste pleasantly sweet and can be enjoyed simply from hand to mouth, the leaves taste harsh and spicy. The older the leaves are, the more bitter substances they contain. Their oxalic acid content increases with age. Therefore, you should always prefer the young leaves.
Dandelions in the kitchen
The leaves of dandelion can be used in many ways in the kitchen. With them, for example, the following foods can be produced or refined:
The leaves of dandelion are also suitable for rolling vegetables, seedlings and sprouts. The flowers, however, are well suited for making syrup, jam and jelly. The roots are also usable. Previously, they were used as coffee substitutes or prepared with liqueurs.
Dandelion as a medicinal plant - for the sake of health
Dandelion can be a good choice not only for food but also for healing. As a medicinal herb, the dandelion has been known since ancient times. You can, for example, process it into a press juice, a tea or a tincture. For a tea 2 teaspoons of the dried herb to 250 ml of water are sufficient.
How does dandelion work?
Among other things, dandelion has an appetizing effect, draining, cramping, stimulates the stomach, stimulates the metabolism and reduces inflammation. With these effects, the weeds can be helpful, for example:
Tips
Dandelion can also be valuable for animals. For example, it is a good nectar and pollen donor for bees, and domestic animals and grazers like to eat its leaves.