You’ve probably seen dandelion greens in the grocery store, but you probably don’t know what to do with them. This will make you wonder if you can eat them.
Can You Eat Dandelion Greens?
Dandelion greens are a common spring green that can be eaten cooked or raw. They’re also a bit bitter, so it’s best to add them to dishes that have other flavors.
Are There Any Risks To Eating Dandelion Greens?
Dandelion greens are a very nutritious vegetable. They are low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals, and can be added to your diet without adding additional fat or calories. However, there are some risks associated with eating dandelion greens, especially if you’re not sure what variety you’re eating.
The most common side effect of eating dandelion greens is an upset stomach. This is likely due to the fact that dandelion greens contain oxalic acid, which can cause stomach discomfort when consumed in large amounts. Oxalic acid also inhibits the absorption of calcium in the body.
Benefits Of Eating Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are a nutritional powerhouse, providing your body with vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis and asthma.
Dandelion greens are also rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals that can lead to cancer and heart disease.
Dandelion greens are very high in fiber, which helps lower blood cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.
The vitamin K content in dandelion greens helps to strengthen bones by helping the body absorb calcium. This means that dandelion greens can help prevent osteoporosis as well as bone fractures later in life.
What Do Dandelion Greens Taste Like?
The taste of dandelion greens is very mild, with a hint of bitterness. Some people describe dandelion greens as tasting like lettuce, spinach, and chard, but more bitter.
How To Prepare Dandelion Greens For Eating
To prepare dandelion greens for cooking, wash them thoroughly under running water and remove any yellow leaves or stems. The roots of young plants are edible too, but they become bitter with age so don’t rely on them as a staple food source unless you know where they came from!
If you don’t want to use them right away, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator with damp paper.
How To Eat Dandelion Greens
Dandelion greens are delicious when eaten raw in salads or cooked as a side dish.
Eat Dandelion Greens Raw
Dandelion leaves can be eaten raw. The leaves have a slightly bitter flavor but are mild enough that they won’t overpower the taste of your meal.
To eat dandelion leaves raw, wash them thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt on the leaves before eating them. You can also use a salad spinner to remove excess water from the leaves before serving them at mealtime.
Cook Dandelion Greens
You can cook dandelion greens by boiling them until they are soft enough to eat without chewing too much effort. Boiling is often how people prepare frozen vegetables, which is why it’s a popular way to prepare fresh vegetables as well.
Boiling is also an easy way to cook dandelions since all you need to do is add water and bring it to a boil over medium heat on your stovetop until the water boils, then cover it with a lid for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Dandelion greens are nutritous and healthy to eat. It may taste a bit bitter eating them fresh so it’s a good idea to add them to a salad or use them in cooking.
Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.
