Hiding In Plain Sight: The Hidden Gem In Your Backyard

EATING STUFF GROWING IN YOUR YARD?

I'm still shocked at the cost of groceries these days. I have no idea how long I can continue to pay these prices, but they don't seem to be going away. So I'm looking for alternatives. My Dad grows an amazing garden every year, so that will help a lot. But I learned from Master Gardener Bill Cook last week, that there are several things that are coming up in my yard right now that are edible! Things that I never dreamed of eating; like dandelions!

DANDELIONS

I've always loved Dandelions, so I hate that they've bee labeled as a nasty weed. Instead of mowing them down, you might want to start eating them. That's not something I ever considered until now.

THREE EDIBLE PARTS OF THE PLANT

There are three parts of the dandelion that are edible: The flower, the leaves, and the roots. According to the University of Minnesota Extension Office, they are full of nutrients, like vitamins A and C, iron, and fiber, and can also be used for many traditional medical remedies.

BLOOMS

You can harvest the flowers immediately pre or post-bloom, and they have a sweet taste. You can mix the petals in with pancake batter, cookie dough, and cakes, and you can even fry them whole in a fritter!!! Who knew?

The more mature the flower is, the more bitter it tastes.

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LEAVES AND STEMS

The leaves are best harvested when the flower is young, before the dandelion even blooms, and can be eaten alone, used as a garnish, or mixed into a dip. While the young flower tastes a bit honeylike, the leaves are more like a radicchio.

ROOTS

The roots are best when dried and roasted, and can be a coffee replacement, or added to soup.

WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR GREAT IDEAS!

Watch the video below now before you go and mow down all your dandelions! If you make some delicious recipes with dandelions, let me know and I'll try to recreate your recipe and share it with everyone. Send your recipe and photos to kelly.cordes@townsquaremedia.com.

Homegrown Handgathered/YouTube

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