The dandelion and its flowers, which we all know from childhood as the dandelion, is a plant that has many uses both in the kitchen and for external use can. The article explains the characteristics of dandelion flowers and how they can be used.
In a nutshell
- Dandelions have yellow pseudoflowers with many ray florets
- Flowers open in the light, close in the dark, wet and dry
- Dandelion can be made into tea or honey
- Use dried flowers to flavor food
- there are effective ways of preparing the flowers for external use on the skin
Table of contents
- characteristics
- possible uses
- drying flowers
- facial tonic
- Honey
- oil for the skin
- salad
- make syrup
- prepare tea
- frequently asked Questions
characteristics
In which dandelion (Taraxacum) is a distinctive weed whose bright flowers are easy to spot. Not only the flowers have characteristics to recognize here, also the leaves and the stem:
- Butter yellow flowers
- mock blooms
- plate-shaped cup
- consists of many small ray florets
- and about 40 bracts that protrude outwards
- Flowers open with light
- they are closed at night, when it rains and when it is dry
- each flower sits on a hollow stem
- Flowers measure between three and five centimeters
The flowering period of the dandelion is from April to June or July. In late summer, there may be another flowering, but this is weaker and lasts until October, depending on the climate.
possible uses
You can use the dandelion flowers and leaves in many ways. When harvesting, make sure that the leaves are harvested before flowering. This should be done in April-May. The flowers are harvested in summer to late summer and the roots in autumn.
drying flowers
If you dry the dandelion flowers after harvesting, you can use them in many dishes in the kitchen. The healthy bitter substances contained in the flowers are also used in later use. So you can later use the dried flowers as a spice in various soups or other dishes:
- only use fully opened flowers
- spread on oven tray
- dry on low heat
- alternatively use a dehydrator
- can also air dry
- to do this, hang upside down with the handle
- several stems can be loosely combined
- store in airtight jars or cans
The older the flowers get, the more bitter substances they can contain. It is therefore advisable to always use the young flowers that have just blossomed for use in the kitchen, both dried and fresh.
facial tonic
You can make a cleansing and caring facial tonic from the fresh dandelion blossoms. For this purpose, 250 ml of boiling water are poured onto two handfuls of flowers. After about ten minutes, the water can be strained off and applied to the face after it has cooled. The flowers strained during this process can also be used as a face mask.
Honey
Honey can be obtained from fresh dandelion flowers without bees.
Method:
- collect flowers
- about three handfuls are enough
- Boil with a liter of water for 20 minutes
- leave to stand for about 12 hours after cooling
- sieve
- add a kilogram of sugar to the broth
- also add the juice of one lemon and the grated zest
- Boil again until a very thick mass is formed
This mass is then filled into prepared and clean jars and closed tightly.
In order to close the jar well, it is helpful to put it on the lid after filling it and let the contents cool down.
oil for the skin
An oil can also be made from the flowers for a supple skin. For this, dried flowers are used:
- "Dry flowers" as described under point
- Once dry, place in an airtight jar with a wide mouth
- Mason jars work well for this
- Pour desired vegetable oil over it
- all flowers must be covered with oil
- close the jar well
- open every three to four days and remove condensation
- shake well after each closing
- place in a light-protected and warm place
After four to six weeks, the active ingredients have been released from the flowers and the oil is separated from the flowers through a sieve. The finished oil should be stored in a dark bottle in a cool place protected from light for longer shelf life.
Olive, almond, jojoba and simple sunflower oil are particularly suitable for the oil extract.
salad
It is already known that a tasty and healthy salad can be made from the leaves of the dandelion. But the yellow dandelion flowers can also be used for salads:
- Scatter the flowers over the finished salad
- Do not split flowers for this
- looks more decorative
- not just dandelion salad
- lettuce or other salads are also enriched
- also very tasty with rocket
The roots of the plant are also very good in a salad made from wild herbs.
make syrup
Dandelion flowers are also suitable for making syrup. This can then be used later in the kitchen to refine sauces or filled with water as a homemade lemonade:
- use fresh flowers
- about 100g
- Boil 375 ml of water
- Boil and dissolve 500 g syrup sugar in the water
- a clear solution is formed
- Pour the hot solution over the flowers
- leave for about 48 hours
- then drain and cook for another three minutes
- then fill in bottles
If the flowers are used fresh, it is advisable to always wash them carefully under running water beforehand Especially if the dandelion used does not come from your own garden but was found on paths or in fields.
prepare tea
A tasty and, above all, very healthy tea can also be made from the fresh flowers, which can support the bile and liver.
Directions:
- two bunches of flowers
- douse with boiling water
- use 250 ml for a cup
- leave for ten minutes
- then strain
Since the roots of the dandelion are also for the Preparation of tea suitable, they are also used here.
frequently asked Questions
Unlike many other plants, the milky sap in the dandelion stem is not dangerous. However, excessive consumption of the stalks can cause nausea and abdominal pain. This is due to the taraxacin contained in milk. When harvesting the plants is therefore just for sensitive people It is advisable to always wear gloves so that the juice does not come into contact with the skin, which could cause an unpleasant rash.
In contrast to the stem, there are none in the flowers contain toxins. On the contrary, the flowers are very healthy as they contain many minerals and vitamins that are important for the human body.
Freezing dandelion flowers is not recommended. The many small petals cause them to stick together when they freeze. After thawing, these then become mushy and are no longer appealing for use in the kitchen.
