Spring is the time of year when our garden has a bright display of dandelion flowers. It always reminds me of a lawn sign I saw that said ” Pardon our weeds, we are feeding the bees!” I have had dandelion tea before, but what about the flowers? Are they edible? Yes and there are quite a few ways to consume them.
Dandelion’s Health Benefits
Every parts of the dandelion plant is edible and has a different health benefit.
Dandelion roots are a good liver tonic, they contain inulin, a prebiotic that can rebuild gut flora, help burn fat, and ease join pain.
They are best used in making tea (has robust smoky notes).
Dandelion flowers have powerful antioxidant properties. Use as salad topping, herbal tea (delicate, sweet taste), fritters.
Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamin A, C, and B. They are good for the kidneys. Similar to arugula, they can be added to salads, pesto, stir fries.
NOTE: Because dandelion tea is also a mild diuretic, it is best to consume it during the day or risk interrupting your sleep to pea throughout the night!
When and where to pick dandelion flowers?
The best time is in Spring (April-May) and fall (October). Make sure you harvest them from a place that hasn’t been sprayed with chemicals. So avoid areas near roads, path, playgrounds, public parks, etc.
How to prepare the flowers?
After harvesting the flowers, let them sit for 10 minutes so that little critters that may be in the flowers will have left. You can also shake them a little to remove dust or debris. Don’t try to wash them!
If you are using flowers in a salad, you can cut off or pluck the yellow leaves.
If you are making tea, you will to steep 10-12 flowers for 15 minutes.
Advantages of picking dandelion flowers
If you have a lawn, and pick the flowers, you can greatly reduce the amount of seeds the plant produces. You won’t kill the plant but prevent it from reaching the seeding stage.
How to preserve dandelion flowers?
Place in a sealed bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze. Will keep for several months.
You can dehydrate them to make tea.
Making fritters
Little yellow flowers may not seem great candidate for fritters but you will be surprised how they open up when they are deep fried. It is best to use long metal tongs to avoid burning yourself when you place the battered petal into the hot oil. The batter is made with a mix of all-purpose flour, some chick pea flower, some carbonated water and a few spices.ย You want the batter to have the consistency of pancake batter. Truth be told, the flowers look a little like small insects in mortar when you dip them in batter but I promise they taste great!
Let’s celebrate Spring with these awesome little fritters!
Dandelion Flower Fritters
Ingredients
- 30-40 dandelion flowers
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chickpea flour
- water
Instructions
- Collect the flowers and place them on a plate. Check to make sure there are no little creatures on them. Shake a little to remove any dirt.
Prepare the batter
- In a bowl, combine the AP flour, chickpea flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper.
- Add enough water to get a pancake consistency.
Make the fritters
- Heat up oil to 350F. Line a plate with paper towel.
- Using long chopsticks or tongs, dip one flower at a time in the batter. Tap to remove excess batter and deep fry.
- They only need to fry for less than a minute. They are small and cook quickly. Remove and place on the paper towel.
- Repeat until all the flowers are done.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or keep warm in the oven.
