So, how to make roasted dandelion tea from your garden? Dandelions grow wild all over the world. Some people call them weeds, children call them wish makers, but those in the know realize that dandelions offer free food, beverages and medicine.
Harvesting the roots to make roasted dandelion tea is a favorite way to enjoy this wild-growing plant, but every part of the plant is usable, from the roots to the flower head.
While the flower head is not very attractive, it does entertain children and provides plenty of seeds for anyone wanting to cultivate dandelions.
Where To Harvest
Dandelions grow everywhere, but everywhere they grow is not a safe location for harvesting this multi-use plant.
Harvest in an area that has not been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides, and that doesn’t see a lot of pet traffic.
Your own yard is ideal, since you know what has been placed on grass and soil.
How To Harvest
Dandelions are best harvested in the fall, but can be harvested at anytime.
The goal is to ease the entire plant, with roots intact, out of the soil.
Use a hand-held garden trowel to get down in the soil and go under the roots, then pop the entire plant out of the soil.
A full-sized shovel can be used, but it will remove excess soil from the location.
How To Prepare Roots
Gently wash roots in cool water. Leave the transparent sheath covering on the roots when possible.
Roasting The Roots
Finely chop the dandelion roots and spread them out single layer on a paper towel to dry.
I would recommend you get a mesh hanging type of dryer for the drying process. It is cost-effective and an economical way to achieve the result.
Of course, you can always use an electric dehydrator if desired.
After the dandelion roots have dried, place them in a heavy cast iron frying pan for roasting. This step can be done on the stove top or in the oven.
Use low heat on the stove top and stir the roots frequently to prevent burning. To roast in the oven, turn the heat up to 350ºF (176ºC) and continue to stir roots frequently.
The roots will be roasted sufficiently when they turn dark brown and are releasing an aroma.
Allow them to cool, then place the roasted dandelion roots in an airtight container and store in a dark location.
Roasted Dandelion Tea Recipe
A basic tea recipe is:
- 2 tablespoons of roasted dandelion root
- 16 ounces (470 ml) of hot water
Bring ingredients to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
Health Benefits
Roasted dandelion tea is said to be good for colon health and increase gut flora for good digestion.
The tea is also said to be good for liver health, reduce skin inflammation and aids in weight loss through its diuretic properties.
Here is my other article – “How to grow camomile to make tea“.
*This article is not intended to be medical advice, so please do not rely solely on the information provided in this article for your health.
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