Taraxacum officinale Dandelion Related species:
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The leaves of the dandelion are diuretic,
dried to make tonic teas, added to herbal beers, and blanched for salads.
Dandelion flowers are used in wines, schnapps, pancakes and in Arab baking.
The inside surface of flower stems soothes burns and stings (and also stains
skin). Dandelion roots are roasted as a coffee substitute, cooked in Japanese
cuisines, and produce a magenta dye. The leaves produce a brown dye.
Dandelions are mostly gathered in the wild, but can be grown as an annual by sowing in full sun in spring, barely covering the seeds. |