Introduction: How to Eat a Dandelion

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Dandelions have many nutritional benefits, making them very healthy to consume. There are many ways to incorporate dandelion flowers, leaves, and roots into a meal. This meal will include dandelion root coffee and dandelion salad.

Step 1: Digging Your Dandelions!

When digging your dandelions make sure you dig deep down to get as much of the root as possible.

WARNING: Make sure your dandelions have not been sprayed with weed killer or anything poisonous.

Step 2: Cleaning the Roots

First cut off your roots from the dandelion and soak them in water. Then rub them and repeat this process until they are clean.

Step 3: Chopping

After the roots are clean and dry cut them up into smaller chunks.

Step 4: Cooking

Heat the oven 350° F(177° C). Place your roots on a pan and cook them for 10-15 minutes. Keep a eye on your roots and move them around every 5 minutes. The roots should smoke a little and give off a chocolaty aroma while cooking. When they look like charcoal and snap apart easily they are done.

Step 5: Grinding

Now grind the roots just like you would do with coffee beans.

Step 6: Coffee!

Mix the dandelion root into boiling water, after a few minutes turn off the heat. Next drain the roots out of the coffee, I used a coffee filter sitting in a sifter. You could also use your coffee maker to do this.

Step 7: Washing the Greens

First you need to wash the green to get any dirt off of them. I soaked mine in water, rubbed them, and repeated until they were clean.

Step 8: Cutting

Cut off the stems of the greens. Next cut the green into appropriate sized pieces.

Note: Dandelion greens have a slightly bitter taste so I recommend adding in some lettuce and dressing.

Step 9: Flowers

Carefully remove the green part of the dandelion and cut off any stem.

Note: The green part can be very bitter so I recommend removing it but it is optional.

Step 10: Bon Appétit

Lastly place your dandelion root coffee in a cup and plate your salad.

I hope you enjoyed this instructable, happy eating!

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