Wait! Don’t mow your grass! Did you know that those dandelions growing all over your yard are actually an herb and you can eat them? They are great for health too!
Making Peace With Dandelions
Most people think of dandelion as a backyard weed. At our house, we don’t wage war on dandelions… we use them in all kinds of ways! From liver cleansing to lactation support to urinary tract infections, dandelions have some amazing benefits.
We use the flowers in drinks and baking, the leaves in salads, and the roots roasted to use as a (super liver healthy) coffee substitute.
My kids are often the dandelion harvesters ? and this is their favorite recipe to make with the flowers.
Lime Dandelion Tea
I know what you’re thinking, “weed tea”? But this is one you have to try!
A weed is a perfectly good plant that’s just in the wrong place, after all. Many plants people consider weeds actually have health properties we pay for in the form of supplements… and they are right in our yards, for free.
Dandelions contains considerable amounts of vitamins A, C, K, and B, plus minerals like magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, calcium, and choline. Not too shabby for a weed!
But how does it taste? It’s light, refreshing, and a very pretty summer drink. Plus it is just a really fun way to use dandelion flowers. Give it a try and let me know what you think!
One important note: Do not use dandelions from a pesticide-sprayed yard or an area that animals use. Clean, chemical-free dandelions only recommended…
Iced Lime Dandelion Tea Recipe
Prep 10 mins
Inactive 3 hours
Total 3 hours, 10 mins
Author Wellness Mama
Yield 8 +
Make iced tea with dandelion flowers and lime juice for a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
- 1 quart fresh-picked dandelion flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- 2-3 TBSP dried stevia leaf or sweetener or choice to taste
- ½ cup dried red raspberry leaf (optional)
- 3 quarts cold water
- 3-4 limes, juiced
Instructions
- Pick the dandelions fresh and place in a colander. Get only the yellow parts of the flower and pull off any leaves (use in salads) and stems.
- Rinse well with cool water.
- In a jar or cup, pour the hot water over the stevia leaf and dried red raspberry leaf if using and stir well. If using another sweetener, put it in the warm water instead.
- Let steep 5-8 minutes and then strain off the herbs.
- Pour the sweetened liquid from the stevia/raspberry leaf into a gallon size glass jar.
- Add the juice of the limes and then the cool water and stir well.
- Add the dandelion flowers and mix gently.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or until completely chilled and serve. You can strain out the flowers or pour them into the cups. Bonus points if you freeze them into ice cubes for decoration! ?
- Use within 36 hours for best taste.
Note: Don’t pick dandelions form areas where pesticides have been sprayed or animals may have pooped!
