DANDY DAYS AHEAD!

This cheery little one is so much more than a weed! It provides food for pollinators and wildlife-- plus, all parts of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) are considered edible for people too!!

The inulin-/prebiotic-rich taproot supports digestive health, provides food for our microbiome (aka the "friendly flora" in our gut or the good bacteria or in our GI tract), and can be made into a liver-supportive tincture or decoction.  

The vitamin-, mineral- and phytonutrient-rich greens contain support eye health, are lovely in a nourishing Spring soup and, all-in-all, can be a free source of nutrient-dense plant power!

The polyphenol and flavonoid-rich flowers can be dusted and sautéed or air fried for a tasty treat that's considered a delicacy in many countries--
and all of the above can even be washed down with some dandelion wine, if you’re so inclined!

If supporting you in incorporating all this green and yellow goodness into your day, here are a couple of recipes you might like to try...

Fried (or Air Fried) Dandelions

Ingredients

• 40-50 (depending on size) dandelion flowers (remove the hollow stems & trim excess green at top of hollow stem/below flower; soak in a little salt water for 5-10 minutes to help remove bitterness then pat dry w/ kitchen towel to remove excess moisture)
• 3/4 cup organic all-purpose flour (I use whole-grain unbleached wheat but you can use gluten-free, paleo or most any flour here) 
• 1/4 cup organic panko
• 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (I make and use my own- and may sell it someday soon- but you may use garlic salt or any all type of seasoned salt)
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground organic black pepper
• 1/2 cup organic coconut oil (any other high smoke point oil or butter from grass-fed cow milk will work too)
• 2 eggs (mine come from the organically-fed, free-rangin' layin' ladies out front but any ol' eggs could do)

Instructions

• Mix flour, panko, seasoned salt and pepper in large bowl until fully combined.
• In separate bowl, beat eggs until light and frothy.
• Toss dandelion flowers into egg mixture and coat well.
• Heat oil in large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, taking caution not to overheat to smoking point.
• Use slotted spoon to remove dandelions from egg mixture and to allow any excess egg to drain.
• Dredge dandelions in flour mixture until completely coated, then remove from flour and cook, in single layer, in hot oil (or Air Fryer*), turning once, until lightly golden brown on both sides (you'll need to do this in stages, repeating until all are cooked).
• Remove from oil and drain on towel on plate and serve immediately.

*If using Air Fryer, you may wish to add a few tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter to egg mixture to create similar taste and 'mouth feel'.

Authors notes:
Since fried food is definitely not amazing for us and can lead to AGEs and other harmful substances that act like free radicals and lead to premature aging, savor, share with others (so that no one eats too many!) or reduce recipe size. 

If you're anything like me, you are passionate about caring for self and living well but also find value in giving yourself a little wiggle room to enjoy life and find balance in it all (without going overboard on rigid restrictions or excessive amounts of self-imposed food 'rules') so perhaps just eat a hearty bowl of veggie soup (that includes some fresh chopped lightly cooked dandelion greens) to help combat the fried-ness of the above treat!
 
Dandelion Jelly
I haven't tried this one yet but this recipe looks good so I intend to, and will post on it after I do!

If you’ve done anything more than appreciate their bright cheery look, dig them up, mow them over or blow on the seeds to make a wish, I’d love to hear how you enjoy dandelions so please feel free to enlighten me and leave a comment below!

Love,
​Amy

⚠️ If you have latex allergy then proceed with caution as the milky sap, particularly exuded from the cut stems, can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis or other adverse effects.