Dandelion opportunities

Instead of hopelessly trying to get rid of the dandelions in your yard, use them as an opportunity to improve your health.  Before collecting any plants, be sure that they have not been sprayed with chemicals or are in an area where pets frequent.  You can eat young dandelion greens in a salad, the roots can be dried, roasted and ground into a coffee substitute, and the blossoms can be made into a great syrup.  With a bit of patience, you can make a tasty syrup to share with friends, families and neighbours.  

Here is the recipe for Dandelion Blossom Syrup, from Wise Woman Herbal by Susun Weed:

1 L. dandelion flowers
1 L. water
1 kg. organic sugar
1/2 organic lemon or orange

Put blossoms and water in a non-aluminum pot.  Bring just to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let sit overnight.  Strain and press liquid out of spent flowers.  Add sugar and sliced citrus (peel and all) and heat slowly, stirring  now and again for several hours or until reduced to a thick, honey-like syrup.  Enjoy with plain yogurt, on pancakes or in tea.

Leave us a comment if you try making the syrup!  Have fun and enjoy !!