Frugal Eating- Dandelion Greens

Dandelions developed a bad rep years ago- mostly for being an annoying, pesky weed. Almost everyone has the plant growing somewhere in their yard, and most do just about everything to get rid of it- by using chemical pesticides or simply chopping it up with the lawn mower. But dandelion greens are actually one of the most nutritious greens around. They are even considered a super-food: low calorie, nutrient-rich and cleansing. Raw, the greens are known as a spring green and promote cleansing of the liver and kidneys. They stimulate digestion and are a mild laxative. One cup of raw chopped dandelion greens is 25 calories and contains 112 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin A, 32 percent daily value of vitamin C, and calcium. They also contain the antioxidant lutein, which is good for vision health. And since dandelion greens are so easily obtainable, it makes for great frugal eating- they can be foraged in your yard and eaten for free!

Dandelions are best picked where the grass grows tall and free, away from poisonous chemicals and pet urine or waste if you happen to own a pet. Dandelions which have been cut often do not have as good a flavor. Leaves should be gathered before the plant blooms to produce the best taste, just when the bloom bud appears, but before the stalk grows. If you wait too long, they will taste very bitter, much like mustard or collard greens.

Following are some ways to enjoy this uncommonly edible plant:

You should first place the greens in a colander and wash them well with cold water. Then, pat the greens dry with a paper towel.

• Mix raw dandelion greens in with your salad. They will add a tangy and slightly bitter flavor. Sprinkle apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over one cup of dandelion greens. Allow the greens to wilt a bit before eating. Or, put some dandelion greens on top of your sandwich, to add a crunchy bite.
• Steam a bunch of dandelion greens in a steamer basket for two minutes or until the greens are tender. Remove them from the heat and let them drain. Add a dash of salt and pepper and sprinkle a little balsamic or apple cider vinegar on the greens. Serve as side dish with tofu or other vegetable based main dish.
• Saute them. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sautee finely chopped onions and garlic in oil for four minutes. Add 3 cups of greens and stir. Keep stirring over heat until greens are wilted. Remove from heat, add salt and pepper and serve. Sauteed greens can also be added to pasta or stir fry dishes.
• Also, the root can be roasted as a coffee-subsitute, and the flowers made into wine or boiled and stir-fried much like the greens.

If you live in a city or somewhere where this wonderful weed plant does not grow naturally, then check out your local health food store, like Whole Foods, as they may have them for sale. Dandelion greens are grown in other countries much like lettuce is grown here in the U.S., but it is farmed here as well.