Dandelion Herbal Tea Benefits: Growing Dandelions For Tea
You don't always have to turn to big tea brands when you want a tasty cup of the hot beverage. Make your own delicious and nutritious concoction out of pesky weeds in your garden. Instead of waging a frustrating and nearly pointless battle against dandelions, read on to learn how to make dandelion tea.
Growing Dandelions for Tea
Our ancestors knew a thing or two about natural health and how to use nature's bounty to heal all manner of ailments. Dandelion herbal tea was a constant in many homes and all parts of the plant are edible. It has some potential to benefit cancer patients, improves liver health, and contains numerous nutrients and antioxidant properties. Plus, it's free (making it a godsend to thrifty individuals) and tasty.
If you aren't worried about the plants taking over, grow your own dandelions. The easiest way is to let some of the flowers come into seed and take them off the plant. Sprinkle seeds in the selected area and dust over with some soil.
Another way of growing dandelions for tea is to only harvest a part of the root. Any leftover root in the soil will re-sprout and produce a new plant very quickly. This is a maddening trait of the weed for gardeners who do not desire the plant but makes it easy for those of us who have had a taste of homemade dandelion tea and want a ready supply.
Don’t use chemicals in any area in which you will be harvesting.
How to Harvest Dandelions for Tea
Since all parts of the plant are edible, you first need to harvest plant material. Harvest from an area that is pesticide and herbicide-free. The leaves and flowers make a delicate, lightly flavored tea, while the roots have a more potent taste. You can use leaves as a tea or fresh in salads to add a punch of Vitamin C.
The flowers need to be harvested when the petals are fresh and brightly yellow. Flowers are also tasty dipped in batter and deep-fried. Roots should be harvested in the fall and gently coaxed out of the soil. Wash any harvested plant parts carefully before proceeding to process them for dandelion herbal tea.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Dandelion Tea Recipe
Everyone has a slightly different dandelion tea recipe. Some only use the roots and prefer them roasted. This is sometimes called dandelion coffee and results in a deeper, sweeter tea. A roasted dandelion tea recipe has you roast them on a baking sheet at 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 C.) for two to three hours. Turn the roots regularly to prevent burning. Roots should snap sharply when bent. Either grind the roots or snap into small pieces and steep in hot water for 20 minutes.
You can also chop fresh roots and just cover them with boiling water for one minute before straining out the root. Another instant version can be made with boiling water and washed flower petals or leaves. Steep the plant parts in boiled water for a couple of minutes and then strain them out or leave them, whichever you prefer.
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Why So Many Gardeners Are Switching To Peat-Free Compost – And Why You Should, Too
There are plenty of alternatives to peat moss, like peat-free compost and coconut coir. Learn why peat moss has lost favor among gardeners, and make the change!
By Amy Grant
-
Planting Perennials In Fall: How To Ensure New Shrubs And Flowers Thrive
Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on your garden goals by planting many perennial varieties. Come spring time, they will be raring to go.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Healthy Dandelion Tea – Is Dandelion Tea Good For You
Is dandelion tea good for you? Click here to find out and explore dandelion tea benefits.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Indoor Dandelion Growing – Can You Grow Dandelions Indoors
Growing dandelion plants indoors may seem odd, but it is easy, and they can be grown at any time of year. Click to learn how.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Dandelion Flower Varieties: Interesting Types Of Dandelion Plants To Grow
We’ve all seen a dandelion growing, but what are the different types of dandelions? Click this article to find out about different dandelion flowers.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Picking Dandelions: How And When To Harvest Dandelions
Picking dandelions allows access to a cheap, healthy food source. All parts are edible but harvested at different times. Learn when to harvest dandelions in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Uses For Dandelions: What To Do With Dandelions
Dandelions are considered weeds by many people, but they're actually useful. Consider all the uses for dandelions before dismissing them.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Dandelion Seed Growing: How To Grow Dandelion Seeds
Did you know that the leaves, flowers, and roots of dandelion are edible or that the dandelion has purported medicinal properties? Bees and other pollinators also rely on them. So, what are you waiting for? Find out how to grow dandelion seeds here.
By Shelley Pierce
-
Dandelion Growing Info: How To Grow And Harvest Dandelions
It may be a little odd to have an article about how to grow dandelions. After all, most gardeners consider them weeds. Once you know more about them, you might change your mind. Click here for more info.
By Heather Rhoades
-
Dandelion Removal: How To Kill Dandelions
Dandelions will push out grass and other plants, as well as sapping water and nutrients away from surrounding plants. For this reason, controlling the weed is important. Learn more in this article.
By Heather Rhoades