In Praise of the Dandelion

In Praise of the Dandelion

Who says the dandelion is a weed? Okay, so most everybody, but the dandelion is also a plant that has a nearly limitless array of uses. With its ability to survive in nearly any climate the dandelion has acquired a reputation as being a stubborn pest, but unbeknownst to many people dandelions have long been used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Before they became the poster child for everything a well manicured lawn should not be, the dandelion was used in medicinal tonics, lotions and rubs to cure anything from warts to digestive problems. In the kitchen dandelion greens and even the flowers are good in salads, as long as you use the tender young leaves as opposed to the older leaves, which can tend to be on the bitter side. The roots have been used as a coffee or tea substitute since man first started sipping cups of "black gold", and the dandelion's fermented flowers are said to make an extraordinary herbal wine. I really think my nephew, who makes his own delicious assortment of homemade wines should try his hand at making some dandelion wine, and I just happen to have the perfect crop available for him to harvest.
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