Foraging For Dandelions

Foraging, be it for plants, berries or mushrooms, is one of the most accessible ways to experience the outdoors. It can be done year-round, and many plants and berries can be found right in your backyard. There is virtually no cost involved, but it is worthwhile to pick up a plant identification book for your local region so that you can accurately identify the plants, berries and mushrooms that you’re picking. Books like that are worth their weight in gold, but you can keep your eyes peeled at secondhand stores for well-loved used copies.

 

A sure-fire sign of spring, dandelions elicit a wide variety of reactions from people. Many recognize them for the varied benefits they provide, be it medicinally or culinarily. For those with seasonal allergies, you may not be thrilled about the arrival of dandelions (and caution should be exercised if you are allergic – or unsure if you are allergic – to plants in the Asteraceae family, as dandelions can trigger a reaction in those folks.)

What makes dandelion a great plant to forage is that it can be found almost anywhere; just be careful to choose spray-free areas to forage from. It’s a plant almost everyone is familiar with and recognizes, but it’s so much more than just a weed. Known as Taraxacum officinale, almost all parts of the dandelion can be used – petals, leaves and roots. The stalks should be avoided as the milky sap can be irritating to some people.

 

Dandelion roots, which can be harvested in early spring before blooming or in later fall, can be diced, roasted and dried into a caffeine-free coffee substitute. The leaves can be consumed raw or cooked; the taste can be quite strong, but the younger leaves harvested early in the season will have a slightly more mellow flavour. The bright yellow flowers can be infused into oils for use in salves or creams or try making dandelion wine.

While dandelion is generally safe and tolerated by most healthy adults when consumed in moderation, consult a doctor before consuming if you have concerns, are a child or are pregnant/nursing. As mentioned above, if you have an allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family, be aware that dandelion may trigger an allergic reaction. Dandelion can also interact with certain pharmaceutical drugs, so consult your doctor before use.