Are Dandelions Healthy to Eat?
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So, I recently read an article which states the yard dandelions are different than culinary dandelions and can be poisonous. I don't know the author of the article and can't remember where I read it, but I consider the Farmer's Almanac to be a top notch resource. My question though is if there is perhaps another plant that resembles it but is bad to eat? I want to make sure I'm clear on this.
Many thanks! I can't wait to try your dandelion recipes. What about a tea?
I've picked dandelions out of my yard and ate them. I've also eaten my violet flowers and leaves. Again, as long as your yard hasn't been treated with chemicals, you're good to go.
I can't think of another weed that resembles dandelions.
What they are calling “culinary dandelions” are probably chicory. Similar look and slightly bitter flavor but why go to the bother of cultivating something that grows wild in your yard? The wild dandelions growing in your yard are perfectly fine to eat unless they have been contaminated in some way by fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, or other chemicals. I can’t think of any poisonous green that looks like a dandelion but you should always be careful when harvesting any plants from the wild to make sure you are correctly identifying them before eating them. As for dandelion tea, it can be made from the roots, stems, and flowers and is supposed to have many health benefits. Or chop and roast the roots to make a coffee substitute.
PLEASE verify spelling of plant parts: "bracts" and "achenes"; also, the "five fused petals" mentioned are only visible as tiny teeth, evolutionary evidence of this fusion.
Bracts and achenes are correctly spelled. The 5 fused petals are a feature of the flower often overlooked since they require close examination, with the help of a magnifying glass as stated, to see them.
PLEASE!!!!! Check with your doctor before chowing down on a bowl of dandelion if you have certain medical conditions like diabetes or are taking certain medications.
Do you have a book that tells all about the herbs and the vitamins and the ones that you can eat and walk through good for either love to have a book like that if you know anything please let me know thank you