| Many people think of Dandelions as a nuisance. This | | | | Dandelion Salad that serves 4. Half lb. fresh dandelion |
| time of year, I always hear folks sharing ideas on | | | | leaves, chopped, 1 small onion minced, 8 oz. fresh |
| how to get rid of those darn dandelions and which | | | | mushrooms chopped, 2 T. balsamic vinegar, 3 T. olive |
| poisons work the best. On the other end of the | | | | oil, half t. salt, 0ne eighth t. black pepper. Toss and |
| spectrum, there are those throughout the world who | | | | serve. I also like mixing dandelion greens in with my |
| welcome and embrace the dandelion as both food | | | | other salad greens. They can also be cooked like any |
| and medicine. The dandelion is a wild vegetable that is | | | | green. I wouldn't discard the water after draining, for |
| abundant, extremely nutritious and still free. The | | | | that's were most of the nutrients are. My wife |
| parts used are mostly the leaves and root. They are | | | | prefers steaming the greens in a little water or |
| high in vitamin A, B, C, beta carotene, minerals and | | | | sautéing them in a little olive oil, garlic, salt and |
| fiber. Dandelions act as a natural diuretic and are a | | | | pepper. Here is a refreshing dandelion and tomato |
| popular blood and liver cleanser. They are also | | | | appetizer recipe offered by Gail Harshbarger of |
| considered a general tonic to help nourish and | | | | Akron Ohio that would complement at any summer |
| strengthen the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, | | | | picnic. 15 Roma tomatoes or 8 other tomatoes, half |
| kidneys, stomach and intestines. Dandelions have | | | | c. onions, finely chopped, 1 clove garlic finely minced, |
| been known to help with anemia, cirrhosis of the | | | | one fourth c. sweet yellow pepper diced, one fourth |
| liver, hepatitis, and jaundice, reducing serum | | | | c. sweet red pepper diced, 2 c. dandelion leaves, |
| cholesterol and uric acid levels. Dandelions have even | | | | chopped, 1 c. feta cheese crumbled. One half to |
| relieved menopausal symptoms for some. Hot flashes | | | | three fourth cup c. red wine or Italian dressing, half |
| have been linked to liver congestion in certain | | | | teaspoon of your favorite mixed dry herbs, 1 t. |
| individuals. When there is liver congestion, previously | | | | Worcestershire sauce, One fourth c. Parmesan |
| used hormones that are ready for discard become | | | | cheese. Mix all ingredients in a bowl except for the |
| trapped in the liver, recycled and used repeatedly, | | | | tomatoes. Chill for 1 hour. Cut tomatoes in half and |
| eventually causing toxicity. | | | | scoop out the inside. Stuff dandelion mixture into the |
| Then there are those who just love to cook with | | | | tomatoes and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. My |
| dandelions. Dr Peter Gail, founder and president of | | | | wife usually adds what she scooped out of the |
| The Defenders of Dandelions, has researched recipes | | | | tomatoes to the dandelion mixture before chilling. It |
| and folklore on wild plant use by people throughout | | | | can also be baked. |
| the world. He has collected over 3000 recipes for 105 | | | | The dandelion root is the part used mostly for |
| plants, including over 600 for dandelions. He began | | | | medicinal purposes. It may be dug up, dried, cut up |
| eating weeds as a young boy as a necessity for | | | | then made into a tea. It must be simmered for 30 |
| survival after a friend introduced Gail's family to them. | | | | minutes or so. If you would like to enjoy some of |
| In 1994, to promote the use of dandelions, Dr Gail's | | | | the health benefits of dandelion but are not that |
| company, Goosefoot Acres, decided to sponsor a | | | | adventurous, dandelion tea may be purchased as well |
| national dandelion cook off in Dover Ohio. It is held | | | | as the capsules. |
| the first weekend in May every year and draws | | | | The dandelion root is also used to make a tasty and |
| people from all over the country eager to enter their | | | | nutritious coffee substitute called, dandy blend. Dandy |
| favorite dandelion dish in the contest. | | | | blend had a delicious coffee-like flavor that can also |
| If you are ready to go out and pick some dandelion | | | | be used in baking or added to vanilla ice cream to |
| greens, it's best to pick the leaves when they are | | | | give a delicious creamy coffee flavor. |
| young and tender, especially if you are going to eat | | | | When I see dandelions, I admire their beauty and |
| them raw. This is before it flowers. After it flowers, | | | | give them thanks for all their medicinal gifts...so please |
| merely cut the plant back to the root and in about 2 | | | | be kind to your dandelions. |
| weeks or so you will have more tender leaves. This | | | | This article provided by Michael Comeau and is for |
| can be done all summer. It may be unhealthy to pick | | | | informational purpose only. It is not intended to |
| and eat dandelions from soil that has been exposed | | | | diagnose treat or cure any disease. Always consult |
| to repeated applications of herbicide. Chris Atzberger | | | | with your doctor when seeking medical advice. |
| of Columbus Ohio has a recipe for the Classic | | | | |