Wild Edibles: Dandelions

Have you ever thought about eating Dandelions?  Yup, those pesky things that grow in your yard?  Yeah - don't eat those.  They have probably been hit with weed killer, but if you can find some growing in the wild, you might consider throwing some in your green smoothies.  You can also buy organic dandelions at Harmon's.  
  • Contains 112 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamin A & four times more vitamin A than lettuce
  • Higher in beta-carotene than carrots.
  • The iron and calcium content is greater than spinach.
  • 32 percent daily value of vitamin C per cup of leaves.
  • Contains vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, P, and D, biotin, inositol, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc, and many other trace elements and enzymes.
  • Contains the antioxidant lutein, which is good for healthy vision.
  • Also helenin which is reputed to help with night vision
  • Rich in inulin, this is a prebiotic, which actually feeds and encourages the growth of the beneficial bacteria in the gut as well as balancing blood sugar and diabetes.
  • The flowers contain lecithin, this helps the liver to break down fats and improves brain function.
  • The MILKY SAP found in the leaves and flower stems have been used to remove warts, corns, callouses and other stubborn skin maladies.
  • When placed in a paper bag with unripe fruit, the flowers and leaves of Dandelion release ethylene gas ripening the fruit quickly
  • Dogs, cats, hamsters, horses and our other furry friends can also eat dandelions. It aids their digestion, and cleanses their liver and kidneys.
Additional information can be found here.

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