by Sandy aka Mom

Created on: March 20, 2007   Last Updated: May 17, 2007

Dandelions ONLY go where they are not wanted!

I had to chuckle on this title and just couldn't resist adding my two cents. Over a decade ago I was very concerned with dandelions and always trying to get them out of my yard. Than my mind switched when I started using the plant - yes, you heard me right - using the plant.

The MOMENT I would see a dandelion I'd run out and cover it up with some cloth and rocks. You see, dandelions are a WONDERFUL salad vegetable, and only bitter after the sun has greened' the leaves. They are high in iron (like spinach) and because they have that wonderful tap root, they are high in minerals too. Quick steamed with a little butter and garlic is awesome. So, all the leaves get plucked off and come into the house to make my family healthy.

I grab the flower buds just before they open and we make juice out of them using honey and water. This is a power' juice that really energizes, however it is also a diuretic so don't be surprised if you need to pee a lot.

Gather 1 cup of dandelion buds loosely in the cup - do not pack them in (make sure they are the new buds and not the old ones that have closed up and are turning to seed).
For every cup you will need 3 cups of water. Honey to taste.

Bring the water to a hard boil, remove from heat, add the flower buds, cover and let sit / steep for 10 minutes. Strain the buds out (by the way - these should go into your garden for good mulch). Carefully taste the hot juice (because it's hot) and start adding honey - 1 tablespoon at a time - to your family's taste. Chill and serve. YUM! I don't make more than my family will drink in two days. It doesn't last real long because it has no preservatives - and that's a GOOD thing!

I showed my children how to gather the root; clean it, cut it (about a quarter of an inch), poke holes in the roots natural hollow center, and dry it. After it's completely dry you lacquer the root pieces and make friendship bracelets out of them.

Before you know what hit you - your dandelions are gone (and you'll be working on your neighbor's yards).

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