How to make Dandelion Tea the perfect way each time!!

If you are shocked to hear that the weed growing in your background is eligible for consumption, then prepare yourself because the world of tea is even more thrilling. Don’t be annoyed by the yellow flower growing on your lawn yet; you might not know what that one is capable of! The pretty and still yellow petals are actually a wonderful delicacy.

Dandelion is a flowering plant often described as a weed because it grows unwontedly in people’s green space. But little do they know that this cute flora can do more than serving their eyes. It can treat your taste buds and benefit your health. The only thing you need, to appreciate this awesome flowering plant is ‘how to make it’ and we are here to give you the best of it.

Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) is considered an Herb by botanists. the tea brewed from this Herb is also called Dandelion coffee because of its resemblance to the taste of the coffee. Therefore, it is often used as a substitute for coffee. Wonderful! Isn’t it?  The best part is that not a single part of this plant goes to waste as its leaves, flower, steam and even Roots are used to brew aromatic Tea.

Though Dandelion is an Herb and consumed as Tea, it is important to know what kind of Dandelion Tea you should drink. The Dandelion beaming in your backyard can be unsafe for direct consumption as pesticides and animal excretion can make it poisonous. Also, it is advised to consult your doctor before consuming Dandelion Tea as people with allergies might be at risk.

So, if you can’t brew a cup of sun-kissed Dandelion Tea from your backyard then what must you do to your cravings? Well, you can always buy roasted Dandelion leaf (be sure to get quality ones) or, you can grow them carefully yourself.

Overview of Dandelion as an Herb and its Culinary Uses:

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a versatile and widely recognized herb that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Despite being commonly regarded as a weed due to its prevalence in lawns and gardens, dandelion boasts an array of health benefits and culinary applications.

1. Botanical Description: Dandelion is a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterised by its bright yellow flowers, serrated leaves, and hollow stems. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has since spread across the globe, thriving in various climates and soil conditions.

2. Nutritional Profile: Dandelion is a nutrient-rich herb, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. Dandelion leaves are also low in calories and contain significant amounts of fibre, making them a nutritious addition to salads and teas.

3, Culinary Uses:

Leaves: Dandelion leaves are perhaps the most commonly utilised part of the plant in culinary applications. Young dandelion leaves have a slightly bitter flavour similar to arugula or endive. They can be harvested and used fresh in salads, sandwiches, or smoothies, or cooked as greens in soups, stir-fries, or sautés.

Roots: Dandelion roots have a more earthy and slightly bitter taste compared to the leaves. They are often harvested, dried, roasted, and ground to make dandelion root tea or coffee. Additionally, dandelion roots can be used as a coffee substitute or added to herbal blends for flavour and health benefits.

Flowers: Dandelion flowers are edible and can be used in a variety of culinary creations. They have a mildly sweet flavour and can be enjoyed raw in salads, or used to garnish dishes and desserts. Dandelion flowers can also be infused into syrups, jellies, or wines for a unique floral flavour.

4. Medicinal Uses: In addition to its culinary uses, dandelion has a long history of medicinal use in traditional herbal medicine systems. It is believed to have diuretic, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to support liver health, aid digestion, and promote overall wellness.

5. Harvesting and Preparation: When harvesting dandelion for culinary purposes, it's important to select plants from areas free of pesticides and other contaminants. Young leaves are typically preferred for salads, while older leaves may be cooked to mellow their bitterness. Dandelion roots can be harvested in the fall, cleaned, dried, and roasted before use in teas or as a coffee substitute.

Overall, dandelion is a versatile and nutritious herb that offers a wealth of culinary and health benefits. Whether enjoyed fresh in salads, brewed into teas, or used as a natural remedy, dandelion continues to captivate and inspire enthusiasts around the

Benefits of treating yourself to a cup of Dandelion Tea

• Immunity booster

Dandelion Herb is studied to be an antiviral as well as antibacterial Herb. A 2014 study by Cell suggests that a test tube study and another human study proved Dandelion to eliminate further growth of Hepatitis B. More studies are being done and researches are being conducted to provide full fledge evidence. And positive effects are expected from this obedient Herb.

• Plethora of antioxidant

Dandelion consists of polyphenols and beta-carotene and both of these are antioxidants.

Polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, are just two of the bioactive substances found in dandelion. These substances support the body's ability to fight oxidative stress and lessen inflammation. Numerous diseases, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers, are linked to chronic inflammation. In alternative medicine, dandelion tea is frequently used to treat inflammatory diseases because of its possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

There is a natural occurrence of free radicals in the human body. When these free radicals are produced excessively in the body, it can lead to hazardous results. Antioxidant hinders the excessive production of free radicals in your body. It protects body cells from further damage which might lead to aging and certain ailments. Thus, saving you from life-threatening diseases.

• For healthy skin

A 2015 study by NCBI suggests that Dandelion is useful against the effect of UV rays on the skin. UV rays are harmful sun rays that, when exposed to bare skin, can lead to skin photo-aging. Dandelion has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help the skin to maintain its health. Since it protects against cell damage, good skin is ensured. Dandelion has been used in ancient Chinese medicine and American medicine to treat various skin diseases. It also prevents the potential threat of Eczema.

• For your liver

A well functioning liver ensures a good mood and this Herbal Tea has been used as a liver tonic for ages. Traditional medicine exploits this Herb to the fullest for various health benefits. Dandelion is believed to be a potent Herb for bile function.

Dandelion tea is frequently incorporated into detoxification and cleansing regimens. It is thought to help the body's natural detoxification procedures, especially by affecting bile production and liver function. Dandelion Tea may aid in the removal of toxins and waste from the body by improving liver function, thereby aiding general detoxification and cleansing.

So if you are suffering from digestive problems, it can help you get at ease. Different parts of the Dandelion plant can serve different purposes. For treating liver ailments, you should consume Dandelion Root Tea.

• Weight loss

A 2008 PMC research claims that Dandelion Tea can be used as a natural anti-obesity Herb like Orlistat (an anti-obesity drug). It has an almost similar effect as the drug with some plus points. Orlistat has some side effects on the body while Dandelion has no such claims if consulted with a doctor and you are referred fit to drink this Herbal Tea. Click here to Buy Tea samples from Teaswan.

• May prevent the growth of cancer cells

Studies and literature research has been conducted on the positive effects of Dandelion on cancer cells. It was observed throughout the research that Dandelion can help prevent further growth of cancer cells in the body without damaging the important and good cells. It can decrease the graph of liver cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A 2010 NCBI report says that Dandelion Root may help achieve the cause and slow down the cancer cell growth.

How to make Dandelion Tea?

Recipe for Dandelion Tea

Since Dandelion is said to be used for fighting cancer cells, Dandelion Root Tea should be your choice for the cause and to support health. Here’s how you can make a delicious cup of this goodness.

• Pour 8 oz of water into the saucepan. That would be 1 cup.
• Boil it at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Add 2 tablespoon of dried Dandelion Root.
• Let it steep for at least 3 minutes
• Turn off the burner and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes.
• Restrain the mixture in a cup.
• Add honey as per your taste. You can use 1 ½ tablespoon.

Enjoy!!

How to make Dandelion Flower tea

• Pick 10 Dandelion heads (flower) and discard the leaves attached to it. If you are using packed Dandelion flower, add 2 tablespoons.
• Keep this ingredient in a pitcher.
• Let boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
• When the water is hot enough, pour it in the pitcher.
• Let it steep for 20 minutes.
• Restrain the mixture.
• Add 2 tablespoon of honey and stir well.

Voila! Here is your Dandelion Flower tea. You can consume it as an iced tea too. Just let it cool in the refrigerator or add ice cubes.

Using Tea Bags:

If you're short on time or prefer a more convenient option, you can easily make dandelion tea using tea bags. Look for high-quality dandelion tea bags available at health food stores or online retailers. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for brewing. Typically, you would steep the tea bag in hot water for a few minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.

 

Dried Dandelion Leaves:

Another convenient option is to use dried dandelion leaves, which are readily available in many health food stores. To make tea using dried leaves, add about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried dandelion leaves to a cup of hot water. Allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.

Variations and Flavor Profiles of Dandelion Tea

1. Dandelion Root Tea: The most traditional and popular type of dandelion tea is traditional dandelion root tea. The roots of the dandelion plant are dried and roasted to make it. Traditional Dandelion Root Tea has an earthy, slightly bitter, and coffee-like flavour profile. It has a flavour that is sometimes likened to chicory and delivers a warm, pleasant flavour. The roasting procedure enhances the tea's deeper flavours and gives it a faint nuttiness.
2. Dandelion Flower Tea: Made from the petals of dandelion flowers, dandelion flower tea is a lighter and more delicate variant. It has a delicate, flowery, and slightly sweet flavour profile. It doesn't have the same level of bitterness as dandelion root tea, making it a popular option for individuals who want a softer flavour. You can drink dandelion flower tea on its own or make inventive blends by combining it with other herbs or teas.
3. Dandelion Green Tea Blend: Green tea and dandelion leaves are combined in this variant to create a flavorful fusion. Green tea has a light, grassy flavour, whereas dandelion leaves have a somewhat bitter, herbaceous taste. These two elements work together to create a balanced and revitalising cup of tea. Green tea's grassy undertones blend harmoniously with dandelion leaves' bitterness to provide a distinctive flavour profile.
4. Dandelion Chai Tea: Dandelion Chai Tea is a great choice for individuals who like flavoured teas. This version combines Dandelion roots or leaves with the warming spices that are frequently present in conventional chai mixes, including cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger. The end result is a strong, fragrant tea with a varied flavour profile. A warming and energising beverage is produced by combining the earthy and mildly bitter flavour of dandelion with the warm and spicy notes of chai spices.
5. Dandelion Citrus Tea: Citrus fruits, like lemon or orange, can enliven the flavour of dandelion tea and give it a pleasant touch. The herbaceous and slightly bitter taste of dandelion is complemented by the citrusy overtones to produce a lively and zesty tea. During the hot summer months, this version is especially well-liked as an iced tea since it provides a refreshing and cooling beverage.

Considerations and Side Effects

Dandelion tea is generally considered safe for consumption by the FDA, but it's important to be aware of potential side effects, especially when consuming it in large amounts or if you have specific health conditions. Harvesting organically grown dandelions is recommended to avoid exposure to pesticides, which may have negative effects. Allergic reactions can occur in individuals with sensitivities to plants such as ragweed, daisies, marigolds, and chrysanthemums, so it's advised to avoid dandelion tea if you have these allergies. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before consuming dandelion tea due to a lack of conclusive research on its safety in these populations.

The bottom line

Dandelion is an awesome Herb and as easily available in your green space as you could ask for. Its antioxidant property makes it suitable for weight loss and skin protector. It is widely consumed for its famous anti-cancer property. This pretty yellow flower has served as a potent and close to hand ingredient for decades in various medicinal fields.

It gives you a wide space for experimenting with its different parts. But be cautious and do thorough research before adding just anything to your beverage. A little caution can help you from accidents. So, what are you waiting for? Add this Herbal Tea to your garden or kitchen shelf.