Dandelion Uses & Benefits

Its that time of year again, you know, the time when our yards are filled with dandelions. And they are nearly everywhere you look! But did you know that dandelions are good for you?

I’m serious, those little plants, commonly known as weeds, are full of nutritional goodness! Check out this simple guide to the benefits & amazing dandelion uses.

Plus, over 20 recipes!

Most people I know around here find them to be a nuisance and solve the problem with throwing poison on them.

I welcome their addition to our yard in the spring!

I’m a nature lover, and their sunshine yellow buds are beautiful. But I also welcome them for their awesome health benefits!

Benefits & Common Dandelion Uses

Dandelions are quite nutritious and have a wide variety of health benefits. They are a great source of vitamins A,B, C, and K. Plus, they are high in calcium, fiber, magnesium, antioxidants, and so many more.

Considering the many wonderful health benefits of dandelions, I have included them as a regular part of my daily routine.

Who would have thought what is commonly referred to as an annoying weed, is actually edible and good for you?

And the whole plant is beneficial — leaves, flowers, and roots, too!

Traveling tip: these Dandy Blend packets are awesome for traveling and make a great coffee alternative if you need to cut back on caffeine!

How to Harvest Dandelions

If you have dandelions during the warmer months (spring-fall), the leaves and roots can be harvested pretty much at any time.

It is best to harvest the leaves in early spring (depending on your zone) and when they are new. As they grow older and are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, they start to become bitter.

The flowers are best harvested on a dry, and sunny day, and when they are fully open and after the dew has dried.

You’ll want to wash your dandelions before use to rid them of any dirt and/or bugs.

And of course, it is best to be harvested in an area that hasn’t been sprayed or treated with chemicals. You’ll understand my horror when my non-crunchy husband recently asked if he could spray the dandelions in the yard.

Gasp! Hey, at least he asked first. Ha. This is what happens when a Nebraska rancher marries a California nature lover.

Anyways, where were we…

What can you use dandelions for? Here, I’ll share several awesome recipes from some of your favorite bloggers. And maybe some new awesome blogs to check out!

Dandelion Recipes — Edible Delights

How to Cook Dandelion Roots – Practical Self Reliance

Dandelion Jelly – Country Living in a Cariboo Valley

Delicious Dandelion Blossom Honey Butter – The Homesteading Hippy

Homemade Dandelion Bread – Homespun Seasonal Living

Dandelion Cupcakes with Sunflower Seeds – Simply Beyond Herbs

Dandelion Candy – Homestead Lady

Dandelion Puntarelle Salad – Bacon is Magic

Dandelion Flower Fritters – Learning and Yearning

Minestra: Healthy Greens & Beans – Christina’s Cucina

Dandelion Egg Noodles – Homespun Seasonal Living

How to Make Dandelion Pesto – Learning and Yearning

Dandelion Peanut Butter Cookies – Homespun Seasonal Living

Dandelion Honey – Elizabeth’s Kitchen Diary

10 Delicious Ways to Eat Dandelions – The Soft Landing

Dandelion Drink Recipes

How to Make Dandelion Tea – The Homesteading Hippy

How to Make Dandelion Root Coffee – Practical Self Reliance

Overnight Decoction of Dandelions & Nettles – Eat Beautiful

Dandelion Wine – Country Living in a Cariboo Valley

Roasted Dandelion Root Chai – Learning and Yearning

Dandelion Recipes — Natural Health & Beauty Products

How to Make Dandelion Oil – Homespun Seasonal Living

Dandelion Infused Lip Balm – The Homesteading Hippy

How to Make Dandelion Tincture – Practical Self Reliance

Dandelion Salve Recipe for Dry, Cracked Skin – Your Beauty Blog

DIY Dandelion Citrus Lotion Bar – The Soft Landing

Dandelion Infused Shampoo Bar – The Homesteading Hippy

What are your favorite ways to use dandelions?