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Wait! Don’t mow your grass!
Did you know that those dandelions growing all over your yard are actually an herb and you can eat them? They are great for health too!
Making Peace With Dandelions
Most people think of dandelion as a backyard weed. At our house, we don’t wage war on dandelions… we use them in all kinds of ways! From liver cleansing to lactation support to urinary tract infections, dandelions have some amazing benefits.
We use the flowers in drinks and baking, the leaves in salads, and the roots roasted to use as a (super liver healthy) coffee substitute.
My kids are often the dandelion harvesters 🙂 and this is their favorite recipe to make with the flowers.
Lime Dandelion Tea
I know what you’re thinking, “weed tea”? But this is one you have to try!
A weed is a perfectly good plant that’s just in the wrong place, after all. Many plants people consider weeds actually have health properties we pay for in the form of supplements… and they are right in our yards, for free.
Dandelions contains considerable amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B, plus minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and choline. Not too shabby for a weed!
But how does it taste? It’s light, refreshing, and a very pretty summer drink. Plus it is just a really fun way to use dandelion flowers. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
One important note: Do not use dandelions from a pesticide-sprayed yard or an area that animals use. Clean, chemical-free dandelions only recommended…
Iced Lime Dandelion Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 qt fresh dandelion flowers
- 1 cup water (hot)
- 2-3 TBSP dried stevia leaf (or sweetener or choice to taste)
- ½ cup dried red raspberry leaf (optional)
- 3 quarts water (cold)
- 3-4 limes (juiced)
Instructions
- Pick the dandelions fresh and place in a colander. Get only the yellow parts of the flower and pull off any leaves (use in salads) and stems.
- Rinse well with cool water.
- In a jar or cup, pour the hot water over the stevia leaf and dried red raspberry leaf if using and stir well. If using another sweetener, put it in the warm water instead.
- Let steep 5-8 minutes and then strain off the herbs.
- Pour the sweetened liquid from the stevia/raspberry leaf into a gallon size glass jar.
- Add the juice of the limes and then the cool water and stir well.
- Add the dandelion flowers and mix gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or until completely chilled and serve. You can strain out the flowers or pour them into the cups. Bonus points if you freeze them into ice cubes for decoration! 🙂
- Use within 36 hours for best taste.
Notes
Nutrition
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Other Refreshing Summer Drinks
Not eager to serve dandelions to your guests? Try some of these healthy summer cocktails:
- Probiotic Lemonade – Fizzy, refreshing, and the perfect amount of sweetness. I also make this same recipe but with limes and use it to make margaritas!
- Turmeric Lemonade – Exotic, colorful, and extremely good for you.
- Fruit- and Herb-Infused Water – A cinch to mix up in different flavors by using fresh fruit or herbs from the garden.
- Cold Brew Coffee – All the rage in coffee shops, but super easy to make at home.
- Homemade Root Beer – Feel good about this healthier version of a summertime treat.
Ever eaten something out of your backyard that didn’t come from your garden? Are you up for trying some dandelion tea? Tell me below!
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this sounds yummy….i will have to see if i have the gut’s to try it! 😀
Thanks for the dandelion tea recipe!
Lamb’s Quarters are among the finest greens around and grow prolifically in our garden. They can be prepared like spinach or used in a tossed salad, We grow yellow mustard to compliment them. The young/tender mustard leaves provide a peppery component to the salad and the larger, more mature leaves blend well with any green when steamed or boiled.
Our Parents who were raised growing their food, they knew how to Forge for greens and herb’s in Nature ! My mother in law was taught by her mother in law what to pick to eat, Most Americans couldn’t survive a day without McDonald’s! Shameful the way we have become so brainwashed!
Hi Katie,
I’ve been drinking a “spring tonic” tea of dandelion leaf, nettle leaf, alfalfa and peppermint for the last couple of weeks. Warm it tastes a little like peppermint and lawn clippings, but iced and sweetened a bit, it is very good!
Is this safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding? I haven’t been able to find anything about dandelions on the lists of safe herbs & it seems like I’m ALWAYS either pregnant or breastfeeding, or both!
haha… I’m with you on always being one or both! Yes, they are safe during pregnancy, just make sure to get them from an area that you know hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides.
This is very fun. Although it seems like common sense, you might want to note in your article that people shouldn’t pick dandelions from areas where the grass may have been sprayed.
Thanks for all your hard work!
I’m gonna have to try this – my backyard is teaming with dandelions and I love it! I usually drink tea made from the dried leaves(from Mountainrose).
high,i live in new zealand… what would be your quart be equal to in litres when i trying to convert this receipe to make it?thanks
A quart is about a litre…
A quart is two pints and a pint is 600ml
Yay! I’ve always wanted to learn more about how to use dandelions!
This is great!! I love dandelions ~ and now I can put them to good use!
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