Most San Francisco Bay area residents may curse the dandelions that poke through well-manicured landscapes right around this time of year. But the fact is, this plant is actually a superfood loaded with nutrition, which can be used to assist the body in healthy spring cleansing.
The truth is dandelions are much more than just a pesky weed. Dandelion root has been used for centuries for its healing properties in the treatment of liver disorders. It contains a plethora of nutrients such as vitamins A and C, lecithin, potassium, boron, calcium, and silicon. Dandelion has shown to help the liver in a variety of ways; antioxidants, vitamin C, and luteolin may help keep the liver functioning optimally and may also help to protect it from aging. Studies have shown that certain compounds found in dandelion may help to stimulate the liver, promote digestion, and regulate proper bile flow. Because dandelion root is rich in sodium, it is often used to stimulate the kidneys to remove toxins and purify the blood.
Dandelion greens are under-appreciated, overlooked, and even feared as a vegetable. Their bitter and all-too-common reputation as a pesky “weed” often leaves them sadly wilting on grocery stores shelves as shoppers opt for less intimidating varieties of leafy greens such as spinach and lettuces.
Here 5 simple tricks to turn dandelion greens into a new favorite:
1. Neutralize their naturally bitter flavor by adding any of the following: olive oil, coconut oil, sweet potato, seasonal fruits, raw honey and caramelized onions; sour flavors such as lemon juice, lime juice, raw apple cider vinegar produce a similar effect.
2. Jazz up your pesto! Simply substitute half dandelion greens and half basil to create a zesty pesto for veggie pasta, steamed vegetables, or grilled fish or meats. If it’s too bitter, add a little lemon juice and a touch of raw honey.
3. Juice them! To a juicer add 4 quartered and cored organic granny smith apples, ½ an organic lemon (skin on), and a quarter of a bunch of dandelion greens. Juice and enjoy the greatest “green lemonade” you’ve ever tasted.
4. As a salad, pair dandelion greens with more mild lettuces such as romaine or Bibb and dress them in a sweet citrus dressing with pecans, sweet grape tomatoes and avocado for a winning salad every time!
5. My all-time favorite is to add them to my green smoothie. The combination of dandelion greens, ruby red grapefruit, Romaine lettuce, young coconut meat or coconut butter, pinch stevia and a teaspoon of raw cacao creates a complex, rich-tasting, unexpectedly chocolate creation you just might love!
Including these tasty, super-nutrient dense foods in any meal is a prime way to help the detoxify naturally and safely. Share these delicious dandelion tips with any neighbors you catch grumbling about the “weeds” taking over their lawn.
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