Dandelion
Summary
Dandelion was one of the wild "weeds" that were sourced by early settlers to Canada. Yes, we are talking about the yellow flower that pops up all over your lawn in the summer time! The leaves, or greens, of that yellow weed that people pay money to get rid of are edible and nutritious. Dandelion greens are full of iron, Vitamins A and C. Just make sure that dogs haven't visited the dandelions and the area has not been sprayed with pesticides.
Dandelion is related to chicory. The also bitter, also edible root can be made into a coffee-like substance.
The French word for dandelion is pissenlit. (Did we mention that dandelions have diuretic properties?)
More on Dandelion
Ways to Cook
The obvious use for dandelions is freshly tossed in salads. Pick the delicate, long, yellow flower petals off and top off your salad. (Bacon bits anyone?) Interestingly, the roots can also be peeled, sliced, and boiled. Or try steaming it and coating it in butter like a parsnip. The greens are also tasty sautéed like spinach, added to soup, or tossed in a stir-fry.
We know dandelions for their flowers but as a food, the greens are best early in the season before the flower grows. The leaves get increasingly bitter over time.
Dandelion Recipe Links
Some of our favourite videos
Edible Plants you Can Find in the Wild or Your Backyard - https://www.treehugger.com/edible-plants-you-can-find-in-the-wild-or-your-backyard-4862858
Dandelions for Food - https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dandelions_for_food
Dandelion--A Foraging Guide to Its Food, Medicine and Other Uses - https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/dandelion-taraxacum-officinale