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- A recipe for Dandelion root tea
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Hello Reader,
Dandelions herald spring with their bright yellow flowers underfoot, and are a familiar plant to many gardeners who will spend the rest of summer pulling them from our gardens. Their delicate seeds carry our wishes through the crisp spring air. Wherever they land, a familiar plant with toothy leaves and a sturdy taproot emerges. A Dandelion’s name is in its leaves, which is derived from the French dent de lion or “lion’s tooth.” They are a European species that are here to stay, and they provide an early nectar source for many pollinators.
In 2019 there was an ephemeral art exhibit in Los Angeles created by The Art Department. It was housed in an old power facility filled with light from tall windows. Within this “wish factory” I had my wish processed along with other visitors. Dandelions so easily conjure up a sense of wonder and memories of making wishes while blowing their seeds into the air. If any plant can help restore the childhood wonder that so many adults lose along the way, it would be the Dandelion. It certainly did for me at that enchanting art exhibit.
A factory worker processing overdue wishes at the wish factory.
Today, I wanted to share a recipe for Dandelion tea, which is used as a natural diuretic. That is, it can help you detoxify the body by creating more trips to the bathroom. It reduces bloating and also can help detoxify your liver. You can harvest it right from your own garden, and you likely already are in your weeding sessions. This tea is made from the root of the Dandelion plant and should only be harvested from a pesticide / herbicide free area.
Dandelion Root Tea Recipe
Equipment:
Medium sized Pot
Strainer
Stirring spoon
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons of dried dandelion root
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of cream/ sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
Heat your stovetop to medium heat and place the dried dandelion in a medium pot over the heat.
Toast the root until it starts to become golden brown and add the water.
Bring water to a boil, and reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes
Strain the roots and add any creamers or sweeteners
Enjoy your detoxifying tea!
Disclaimer: Make sure no harmful chemicals were sprayed where you are harvesting your Dandelions. Consult a healthcare professional before adding herbal teas to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication.
Field Notes:
Next week The Plot goes to Japan! I’ll be switching up the format for a few weeks and just sharing a few photos of interesting gardens and produce I find on my trip, with a short note underneath each photograph. This way I can take you along with me to Japan, while taking a break from writing articles while I am travelling. Our first stop is Tokyo!
Last week we talked about sowing cool season crops. See the article below if you missed it!
Plotter’s Commons:
Do you have a wish? Don’t tell me, or it definitely won’t come true!
Bulletin Board
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Written for 497 wish technicians. 💌
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Until next Thursday,
Ken Welch
Ken Welch is a garden writer with a very serious degree in Horticulture. When his city lacked a community garden, he helped build one. He teaches new gardeners how to grow their own food.
Cibus Est Imperium | Food is Power