Dishing up Dandelions

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Dishing Up Dandelions?

 

" Are the dandelion weeds in my garden the same greens that are served in fancy

restaurants? What's the nutritional value of eating this plant? "

 

-- Anonymous

 

(Published 08/22/2000)

 

Yes, the dandelions from your lawn are the same as the greens tossed in salads.

The dandelion (Taraxacum officianle) is closely related to chicory and comes in

many varieties. It grows wild all over North America and Europe, but it is also

cultivated as a crop meant for the table and for medicinal uses. The root, in

particular, has been used as treatment for a wide variety of disorders by

ancient peoples and by Native Americans. In Germany, dandelion root is used to

brew a tea for the treatment of liver disorders and digestive complaints.

According to James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of " The Green Pharmacy, " dandelion

root and greens can also be helpful in treating bladder infections, infections

associated with breast-feeding, pneumonia, and swelling. The bitter compounds

help stimulate digestion and are mild laxatives. They can also increase bile

production in the gallbladder and bile flow from the liver. This makes dandelion

a useful tonic for those who have slugglish liver function from a poor diet or

alcohol consumption.

Dandelion greens are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, and

B-complex, as well as lecithin, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, manganese,

copper, and calcium. The plant is also a diuretic and can be used to help

eliminate excess water from the body. However, if you take potassium (or a

medication affected by potassium), you may wish to have your potassium levels

checked before regularly eating these greens. People with gallstones should be

cautious, and those who have a history of bile duct obstruction should stay away

from dandelions altogether.

If you do decide to eat the dandelions from your lawn, make sure that they're

not coming from an area where dogs relieve themselves -- and don't spray the

area with garden chemicals. Pick younger greens (the younger the less bitter).

In addition to using the greens in salads, you can steam them (both the leaves

and flowers) in the same way that you would cook spinach. Be warned, though --

you may find them too bitter for your taste. You might like growing different

varieties of dandelion in your garden -- you'll find seeds through specialty

garden catalogs.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen

 

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

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