Introduction: How to Eat a Dandelion
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!